Can You Get Lyme Disease at the Beach? Ticks Are Moving to Coastal Areas

Can you get Lyme disease at the beach? Yes. Ticks are now being found in coastal environments—changing how we think about Lyme disease risk.

Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was closed for the summer—not for weather, but for ticks.

Multiple tick species were identified, including the Asian longhorned tick—an emerging invasive species.

If this sounds unusual, it isn’t.

Ticks at the Beach: What We’re Seeing

Ticks can survive in beach environments—especially where there is:

• Dune grass
• Vegetation
• Leaf litter
• Moist coastal conditions

Migrating birds can transport ticks to coastal areas.

A study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found ticks on 74% of beach trails in coastal parks.

You don’t need to be in the woods to be exposed.

Tick Risk Is High Across the Northeast

Tick activity remains high across the Northeast, with favorable conditions for both nymph and adult ticks.

Common species include:

• Blacklegged ticks (Lyme, Babesia, Anaplasma, Powassan)
• Lone Star ticks (Ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal)
• American dog ticks (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
• Asian longhorned ticks (emerging pathogens)

These ticks are no longer confined to wooded areas—they are expanding into new environments.

The Asian Longhorned Tick: A Growing Concern

First identified in the U.S. in 2017, the Asian longhorned tick has spread rapidly.

It can reproduce without mating, allowing populations to grow quickly.

It has been linked to:

• Ehrlichiosis
• Anaplasmosis
• Theileria (in animals)

Its impact on human disease is still being studied.

I consider this tick when patients present with unexplained fever, fatigue, or abnormal labs in affected regions.

Children and Pets Are at Higher Risk

Beach settings may increase exposure risk for certain groups:

• Children (more skin exposure, ground play)
• Pets (can carry ticks into the home)

Tick checks remain essential—even after a beach day.

Prevention Now Includes the Beach

Protective measures apply to coastal environments as well:

Before You Go

• Use EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
• Treat shoes and gear with permethrin
• Wear protective clothing when possible
• Stay on cleared paths

After You Return

• Shower within 2 hours
• Perform a full-body tick check
• Dry clothes on high heat
• Check pets carefully

If You Find a Tick

• Remove with fine-tipped tweezers
• Clean the area
• Watch for symptoms (rash, fever, joint pain)
• Seek care if symptoms develop

Clinical Takeaway

Lyme disease risk is expanding beyond traditional environments.

Ticks are now present in coastal areas, including beaches.

• Do not assume the beach is risk-free
• Use prevention strategies consistently
• Educate families about changing exposure patterns

Lyme prevention now includes the beach.

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