Are There Ticks in Central Park and Other NYC Parks?
TICKS ARE NOW
ESTABLISHED IN MANY
NYC PARKS
Infected deer ticks are moving into New York City parks, highlighting a growing urban risk for Lyme disease.
There has been an “unprecedented increase in locally acquired cases in New York City,” writes VanAcker in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
In response, VanAcker and colleagues launched a study to measure tick densities and Borrelia burgdorferi infection prevalence in deer ticks (I. scapularis) across New York City parks.
Ticks Found Across All Five Boroughs
The investigators collected 560 ticks from 24 public parks throughout New York City, including parks in:
- Staten Island
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- The Bronx
“At least 1 I. scapularis nymph was found at 17 of 24 parks surveyed throughout NYC,” the authors reported.
Ten parks had established deer tick populations, primarily on Staten Island and in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.
Are There Ticks in Central Park?
Many people assume tick-borne disease is mainly a suburban or rural concern.
However, this study challenges that assumption by demonstrating that infected deer ticks are now present in urban green spaces throughout New York City.
Searches for “ticks in Central Park” and “are there ticks in NYC?” continue to rise as more city residents become aware of urban tick exposure risk.
Although tick densities vary between parks and seasons, exposure can occur in wooded or grassy areas frequented by deer, rodents, and migratory birds.
For more on prevention, see Lyme disease prevention.
Why Are Ticks Moving Into New York City?
VanAcker and colleagues suggest two major explanations for the spread of ticks into urban parks:
- Landscape and green space design may influence tick and host populations
- Migrating birds may transport immature ticks into urban environments
“We found forested parks with vegetated buffers and increased connectivity had higher nymph densities,” VanAcker writes, “and the degree of park connectivity strongly determined B. burgdorferi infection prevalence.”
The study also found that parks with fewer deer had lower tick populations, reinforcing the link between deer movement and tick establishment.
Why This Matters for City Residents
Urban residents may not consider Lyme disease after spending time in city parks.
But tick exposure can occur during:
- Walking or jogging on wooded trails
- Dog walking
- Picnicking in grassy areas
- Children playing near wooded park edges
Because early symptoms may resemble viral illness or fatigue, Lyme disease can be overlooked in city residents who do not consider themselves at risk.
For more on early symptoms, see Lyme disease symptoms.
Clinical Takeaway
Ticks carrying Lyme disease are now established in many New York City parks, including urban green spaces previously considered low risk.
City residents should remain aware of tick exposure risk and Lyme disease symptoms after spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas.
Related Articles:
B. burgdorferi is widespread in the New York City metro area
Infected ticks prevalent in urban areas in the United Kingdom
References:
- Daskalakis DC. Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Advisory #14: Tick-Borne Disease Advisory. New York City, NY; 2017.
- VanAcker MC, Little EAH, Molaei G, Bajwa WI, Diuk-Wasser MA. Enhancement of Risk for Lyme Disease by Landscape Connectivity, New York, New York, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(6):1136-1143.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
I deal with ticks from time to time while doing pest control in Marysville. It seems they are becoming more prevalent in the area over the past few seasons. I’m going to look into learning more about lyme disease so I can educate my clients who are potentially at higher risk.