Northeast New Jersey presents a unique geographical layout that accelerates human-tick interactions. The region is characterized by high-density suburban development immediately adjacent to heavily wooded reservations, county parks, and the New Jersey Highlands.
The blacklegged tick is the most medically significant tick in the region, responsible for the vast majority of tick-borne illnesses in New Jersey.
The American dog tick is the largest and most widespread tick encountered in the Northeast during the early summer months.
Historically considered a southern species, the lone star tick has rapidly expanded its range northward and is now firmly established across New Jersey, including the northeastern counties.