The Perfect Storm: How Mild Winters Are Creating Record Tick Populations in Suffolk County

Suffolk County homeowners are facing an unprecedented challenge in 2025, as Suffolk County is experiencing a significant increase in tick populations this summer, with experts reporting a surge in tick-borne illnesses. This alarming trend isn’t just a statistical anomaly—it’s the result of a perfect storm of environmental factors that have created ideal conditions for tick proliferation across Long Island.

The Climate Connection: Why Mild Winters Matter

The relationship between climate and tick populations is more direct than many homeowners realize. The increase probably results from mild winter weather, an increase in acorn production, which has led to more tick-carrying animals, and a spread of Asian long-horned ticks. Research shows that longer, hotter summers and more mild winters increase the ticks’ rates of survival, growth and reproduction. This means that they can survive and establish populations in areas where they previously couldn’t, and increase their numbers where they were already established.

The science behind this phenomenon is straightforward yet concerning. Deer ticks are mostly active when temperatures are above 45˚F, and they thrive in areas with at least 85-percent humidity. Thus, warming temperatures associated with climate change are projected to increase the range of suitable tick habitat and are, therefore, one of multiple factors driving the observed spread of Lyme disease. Because tick activity depends on temperatures being above a certain minimum, shorter winters could also extend the period when ticks are active each year, increasing the time that humans could be exposed to Lyme disease.

The 2025 Tick Explosion: Record Numbers Hit Long Island

The data from 2025 paints a concerning picture for Suffolk County residents. Between March and May 2025, tick submissions to research laboratories increased by an astounding 217% compared to the same period last year. Dr. Saravanan Thangamani from SUNY Upstate Medical University received 176 tick specimens in just one week of March—a volume he describes as extraordinary for early spring.

This explosion in tick populations has direct implications for public health. In 2023, there were 3,317 reported cases of Lyme disease. Additionally, in 2024 there were 78 reports of babesiosis and 65 of anaplasmosis among New Yorkers. The situation has become so severe that Suffolk County has formed a new “tick task force” to address the growing crisis.

Understanding the Winter Survival Factor

Contrary to popular belief, cold winters don’t effectively eliminate tick populations. Many have inquired if cold winters kill ticks. After monitoring tick populations and weather conditions for the past twenty-six years at Cary Institute, we find little evidence that winter cold snaps reduce the number of ticks that come out the following spring.

The key factor isn’t just cold temperatures, but the duration and consistency of freezing conditions. Ticks can stay alive in temperatures as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, they are less active in general, but they will emerge to seek food when the mercury exceeds 40 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as there is no snow on the ground to impede their movement. This means that as winters on Long Island become milder due to climate change, the existing tick problem on Long Island will likely intensify.

The Expanding Geographic Range

Climate change isn’t just increasing tick populations—it’s expanding where they can survive. At that time, deer ticks were found only in a hotbed encircling Long Island Sound, along with a small area in Wisconsin. Since the 1970s, deer ticks have rapidly extended their reach north, west, and south. The most recent map shows that deer ticks now roam throughout the eastern coastal states, from Maine to Florida, and across the Midwest.

For Suffolk County residents, this expansion means that areas previously considered low-risk are now experiencing significant tick activity. Staten Island maintains its unfortunate distinction as the most tick-infested borough, but the real story lies in the rapid expansion elsewhere. Alley Pond Park in Queens has emerged as one of the most infested locations in the borough, while Forest Park and Highland Park are showing increasing tick populations carrying Lyme disease. Even areas previously considered safe are now at risk—Bronx parks and northern sections of the city are experiencing unprecedented tick activity.

The Health Implications

The health consequences of this tick population explosion are significant. The three most common ticks in New York State are the deer (black-legged) tick, the American dog tick and the lone star tick. Only deer ticks can carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. They can also carry the germs that cause babesiosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

Early detection and prevention are crucial because early treatment of Lyme disease involves antibiotics and almost always results in a full cure. However, the challenge lies in the fact that the early symptoms of Lyme disease may be mild and easily missed.

Professional Pest Control: Your Best Defense

Given the severity of the current tick crisis, professional intervention has become more important than ever. For Suffolk County residents seeking effective protection, companies like Jones Tree and Plant Care offer specialized Deer Tick Spraying in Suffolk County, NY services that can significantly reduce tick populations on residential properties.

Jones Tree and Plant Care, owned and operated by Thomas Jones – New York State Board Certified Arborist, and member of the Long Island Arborist Association, brings over a decade of experience to tick control. As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to providing scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services. Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry.

What sets professional services apart is their comprehensive approach. Jones Tree and Plant Care tailors specific programs based on the needs of each individual customer and property. A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition and curb appeal of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments.

The Importance of Immediate Action

With tick populations at record levels and the season extending longer due to climate change, waiting is not an option. The apparent increase may be due to the mild winter, according to the head of the tick task force. “What we saw were the ticks coming out earlier than they normally do,” said Dr. Scott Campbell of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

Professional pest control companies understand that timing is critical. Using an approved insecticide once a year, in June, can significantly reduce tick numbers on a residential property. However, given the current crisis, many professionals recommend more frequent treatments and comprehensive property management strategies.

A Comprehensive Solution for Long Island Families

The perfect storm of mild winters, climate change, and expanding tick populations has created an unprecedented challenge for Suffolk County residents. While the situation is serious, it’s not hopeless. Professional pest control services, particularly those specializing in tick management, offer effective solutions that can protect families and pets from the growing threat of tick-borne diseases.

As we face this new reality of expanded tick seasons and higher populations, the investment in professional tick control becomes not just advisable, but essential for maintaining safe outdoor spaces. Choosing Jones Tree and Plant Care means partnering with a leader in plant health care in Suffolk County. We are committed to excellence, using only the safest and most effective methods tailored to your specific landscape needs. Our proactive approach to plant health care ensures that potential issues are addressed before they become major problems, saving you time and money.

The battle against ticks requires expertise, proper timing, and the right approach. With record populations and extended seasons becoming the new normal, professional intervention isn’t just recommended—it’s become a necessity for protecting Long Island families from the growing threat of tick-borne diseases.