WCSU Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory advises vigilance due to rising tick levels

DANBURY, Connecticut — Researchers at the Western Connecticut State University Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory are urging area residents to exercise vigilance during outdoor activities this summer due to evidence of increased tick populations in the region.

WCSU Professor of Biology Dr. Neeta Connally, director of the Tickborne Disease Prevention Lab, said, “This year’s nymphal stage blacklegged tick season has started with a real bang. Our numbers are up more than 75% from the same time last year at our Danbury monitoring site at WCSU’s Westside Nature Preserve.”

Connally continued, “Danbury tick densities were 78% higher during the last week of May 2025 compared to the same week last year; and at our Westport monitoring site, tick densities were 64% higher during the last week of May 2025 compared to the same week last year. Lots of rain this spring certainly has not hurt the ticks, as they require high levels of moisture to survive,” she explained. “However, tick abundance from year to year relies on a number of factors that can include weather, but also the abundance and diversity of host animals in the region.”

Connally’s lab team has been conducting weekly tick monitoring at multiple Connecticut locations from May to August each year since 2011, to measure the activity of nymphal stage blacklegged ticks (aka deer ticks, the primary Lyme disease vector). Connally said their tick monitoring data shows that tick populations have tended be higher in odd years compared to even years, which may be explained by the two-year life cycle of the blacklegged tick. This means that even and odd years host alternating generations. A recent study showed higher Lyme disease incidence in odd years between 2011 – 2020, which aligns with this tick surveillance trend.

Connally’s lab has worked on projects aimed at improving ways to manage ticks that make people sick, with a particular focus on ticks that live on residential properties. Recent WCSU tick research studies have included evaluations of tick sprays, rodent bait boxes, tick-repellent clothing, vegetation management, and deer-excluding fences. “We are currently assessing natural consumer products that contain cedarwood oil, which have become increasingly popular among residents of our region,” she said. “Many natural tick control products have not yet been well-studied.”

The WCSU Tick Lab is a core research partner in the New England Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, established in 2022. Students play an integral role in tick research projects, with more than 60 students completing summer internships in the past 15 years. This summer, four undergraduate students, one graduate student, and one recent graduate from WCSU’s Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity program are helping conduct research projects. “It’s an invaluable experience for these students, who are engaged in professional-level, federally funded research addressing a topic that is important to the health of Connecticut residents,” Connally said.

With the increased tick population comes a higher possibility of a tick bite for those who spend time in backyards and wooded areas. Connally has advice on how residents can minimize their chances. “Perform bodily tick checks daily, and bathe shortly after spending time outdoors,” she advised. “Consider using an EPA-registered tick repellent. Find one that works for you at www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you. EPA registration means that the product has been tested for both safety and efficacy. Also wear light colored clothing to make it easier to detect ticks on clothing while spending time outside.”

In addition to people, ticks are drawn to other family members. “Treat your pet with a tick preventative product all year long,” Connally said. “Ask your vet for recommendations on what will work best for your furry friend.”

Connally said there is no need to panic, but it’s a good idea to be proactive. “People are generally pretty good at taking tick precautions when going for a hike, but in many cases, residents of our region are likely to be exposed to a tick right in their own backyards,” she said. “So, this time of year when the tiny poppy-seed sized nymphs are most active, it’s especially important to be vigilant about tick bite protection when spending time outdoors anywhere — whether it is on a hike, doing yardwork, or watching sports from the sidelines of the local soccer field.”

For more information, contact Dr. Neeta Connally at connallyn@wcsu.edu or Communications and Marketing at pr@wcsu.edu.

Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.