Check the Tick Risk Map Before Outdoor Season

Tick prevention is more than for deep woods. NYS Health publishes a Tick Risk Score by Region map showing the risk of encountering an infected blacklegged tick by New York geographic region. The page also warns that scores are based on tick density and pathogen data collected at points in time, so they may not reflect every yard, trail, or field in a region.

Use the regional score to prepare, not as a promise about one yard or trail. Before the outing, have repellent and clothing that can be tucked and checked. After brushy areas, shower and check clothing, pets, and kids. Make those steps part of the return-home plan instead of waiting to see whether the map called the region high or low risk.

After a bite or outdoor day, keep watching for a rash or flu-like symptoms. Contact a health care provider quickly if either develops.