In 2011 the Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases Task Force was created to examine the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases within Suffolk County. The resulting final report was released in 2015 and recommended the creation of a surveillance program to track tick populations, densities, and pathogen rates within the local tick populations. In 2016, the Tick Control Advisory Committee was established to guide and support the creation of these surveillance efforts and Vector Controls examination of the potential for tick control on County properties.

What we have done:

• Hired a full-time Entomologist to focus on Suffolk County’s tick related efforts
• Created a county-wide tick surveillance program tracking tick populations, densities, and seasonal activity

• Monitor yearly seasonal activity data for adult and nymph deer ticks and lone star ticks.
• Initiated the Tick Control Capital Program, a data driven tick management program within Indian Island County Park.
• Thorough examination of published literature for potential tick control strategies and products
• Development of a new method to field test tick control products including 25(B) Exempt or natural oil-based products.

The Tick Control Advisory Committee (TCAC), established by legislative directive, works with Suffolk County Vector Control to help reduce tick-borne illnesses. The committee provides guidance and recommendations to improve tick management and protect public health.

Key Recommendations:

• Partner with the Suffolk County Department of Health to monitor and manage ticks and the diseases they carry.
• Work with other agencies, local governments, and community groups to share resources and ideas.
• Support research and testing of new methods to control ticks.
• Provide public education and outreach, especially for those most at risk.
• Monitor and address concerns about the Asian longhorned tick, which can harm people, pets, and wildlife.
• Share tick-related data to help officials make informed decisions about budgets and policies.
• Maintain dedicated staff and resources for tick management.
• Continue testing tick control methods in County Parks through pilot programs.
• Publish data from tick population surveys on a public website.
• Seek funding to expand programs and resources for tick control.

The TCAC is committed to supporting Suffolk County in its ongoing efforts to reduce tick-borne illnesses.

Below please find some technical and educational support for local municipalities, trade groups, and civic associations:

Example of technical and educational support.

Additional information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Suffolk County can be found on the Suffolk County Health Services website under the Arthropod-Borne Disease Program.