tick

Common Name:
Asian longhorned tick

Scientific Name:
Haemaphysalis longicornis

The Asian longhorned tick, a native of China, was first reported in the U.S. in New Jersey in 2017 by Center for Vector Biology at Rutgers University members. This invasive tick is cold-adapted to survive the New Jersey winters, like all the local species. Important note: the Asian longhorned tick is parthenogenetic, which means an unmated female can produce offspring that are all genetically identical to her (clones). This species can reach high infestations on cattle and other farm animals and feeds on wild mammals, birds, and occasionally on humans. It is a significant pest to dogs.

Hosts

Asian longhorned ticks have been collected while feeding on squirrels, rabbits, skunks, opossum, groundhogs, raccoons, dogs, and people. Despite large infestations in grassy fields in New Jersey, these ticks rarely feed on people, although, in the Fall, huge infestations of the very small larvae can produce itchy bites and have been confused with chiggers.

Habitat

Tall grasses, meadows, and pastures. Also ecotones and farms. Note: An ecotone is a transition between two ecological areas: forest and grassland. Man-made habitats such as a soccer field next to woods are common habitats for Asian longhorned ticks.

Locations in NJ

The first report of Asian longhorned ticks was in Hunterdon County in 2017. Large infestations of this species have been reported in Bergen, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, & Union counties. This tick is an invasive species and a threat to the state's livestock, companion animals, and potentially people too (in Asia, this tick vectors Dabie bandavirus, a deadly virus).

Active Months

These ticks are active in New Jersey from March through October.
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A Reminder About Engorged Ticks

Blood feeding increases the tick's size drastically and can increase the chances of them passing on a pathogen