American dog tick
85% of ticks in Connecticut.
The American dog tick, the second-most common tick in the state, transmits a pathogen that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. That disease, apropos the name, is more common in the mountain states than in Connecticut. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal if it not treated early and appropriately.
Lone star tick
The Lone star tick isn’t from Texas; it’s called that because the female has a single white spot on her back. A few years ago it represented .2% of ticks in the state, Molaei said. Now it’s 4%, and 8% in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Disease agents carried by this tick could cause alpha-gal syndrome — which manifests itself as an allergic reaction to red meat — as well as ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis (a spotted fever similar to Rocky Mountain) and a few others sicknesses.
Gulf Coast tick
The Gulf Coast tick, as its name implies, is common to the Gulf Coast of the southeastern United States. It was discovered in Connecticut in 2020. “This tick has gradually increased its population here,” Molaei said. It transmits the disease agent of rickettsiosis.
Asian longhorn tick
The Asian longhorn tick came to the United States in 2017 and to
Connecticut in 2019. The percentage in the state is not known, but it mostly is found in Fairfield and New Haven counties. “The problem with this tick is its remarkable ability to reproduce,” Molaei said. “Female ticks can reproduce without relying on a male partner.” It can transmit up to 30 disease agents; the extent is still being researched. “The only thing we know for sure is it is a major problem for the cattle industry. In addition to causing diseases, the sheer numbers of this tick causes severe blood loss and anemia” that can kill the animal, he said.
Prevention
Molaei said the entire state should be considered infested with ticks. “Regardless of where you are active, you have to protect yourself,” he said.
Some people have taken to wrapping tape, with the sticky side facing out, around their ankles to stop bugs in their tracks. But Molaei said the best strategies to prevent tick-borne woes are the classics: pesticides, repellents, covering yourself head to toe and checking yourself after outdoor exposure.
“Tick checks are still the key. They should be done immediately after coming indoors,” he said.
Pesticides can be applied to clothes and shoes, which should be left to dry for about half an hour before they are put on. Repellents, especially those including DEET, are effective when applied directly to skin.