Ticks in New Jersey

Written by Phillip George · Last updated: July 24, 2026

Ticks in New Jersey: what to actually watch for

New Jersey has a dense mix of ticks for such a small state. Blacklegged ticks keep Lyme disease common statewide, the lone star tick is aggressive across the south and center, and New Jersey holds a peculiar distinction: it is where the invasive Asian longhorned tick was first confirmed in the United States, in Hunterdon County in 2017. This guide covers what that mix means for you and what to do after a bite.

Key takeaways for New Jersey

• Lyme is common statewide: blacklegged ticks are established across New Jersey, from the northwest hills to the Pinelands.
• Lone star ticks are everywhere in the south: aggressive human-biters linked to ehrlichiosis, STARI, and alpha-gal (red-meat) allergy.
• Ground zero for a new tick: the Asian longhorned tick was first detected in the US here in 2017 — mainly a livestock and pet concern so far.

Which ticks you'll actually encounter

• Blacklegged / deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) — the main disease vector, carrying Lyme, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis; most human cases come from the tiny summer nymphs.
• Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) — extremely common in central and southern NJ; the white-dotted female is an aggressive biter and can trigger alpha-gal syndrome.
• American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) — widespread nuisance biter.
• Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) — invasive; can occur in large numbers on animals. Its role in human disease in the US is still being studied.

Source: New Jersey Department of Health — Lyme disease.

Where and when risk is highest

Lyme risk is highest in the wooded northwestern counties (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, Morris), while lone star ticks dominate the central and southern parts of the state, including the Pinelands and shore areas. Ticks are active in every mild month; blacklegged nymphs peak May through July. Rutgers researchers actively track tick distribution across the state's counties.

Tick-borne diseases reported in New Jersey

• Lyme disease — common statewide.
• Anaplasmosis and babesiosis — from the same blacklegged tick.
• Ehrlichiosis, STARI, and alpha-gal syndrome — linked to lone star ticks.
• Spotted fever group — less common, from dog ticks.

For symptoms and timelines, see our tick-borne disease symptoms in humans guide.

Found a tick in New Jersey? Do this

1. Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers — follow our tick removal guide.
2. Identify it with our tick identification guide; some New Jersey county health departments and the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology also assist with tick identification.
3. Record the date and location and monitor for symptoms for several weeks.
4. Contact a healthcare provider if you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms.

Official New Jersey resources

• New Jersey Department of Health — Lyme disease
• Rutgers Center for Vector Biology — NJ tick research
• CDC — What to do after a tick bite

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