Asian Longhorned Ticks Haemaphysalis longicornis

The female Asian longhorned tick has the unique ability to lay eggs and reproduce without mating. As a result, they can lay up to 2,000 new eggs after feeding without a male counterpart. This species is most commonly discovered attached to livestock and wildlife, but they can also latch on to pets and people.

Although research is still being done to learn more about this new invasive species, Asian longhorned ticks seem to survive best in tall grass and weeds. As of 2021, this species has been discovered in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

To keep yourself, your family and any pets safe from Asian longhorned ticks, as well as any tick species, there are a number of prevention methods to follow. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when going outside in wooded or grassy areas. Be sure to regularly check yourself and pets for any ticks before entering a home after spending extended time outdoors. Additionally, wear bug repellent with at least 20 percent DEET.

Make sure to also take preventative measures to keep ticks off of your property. Keep grass cut low to prevent ticks from hiding amongst greenery, and clear overgrown vegetation or brush to eliminate tick habitats. Build fencing around the yard to keep wild animals from carrying ticks onto your property. If you are concerned about Asian longhorned ticks on your property, contact a licensed pest control professional.

The Asian longhorned tick is a vector of diseases such as bovine theileriosis and babesiosis. These can be transmitted to cattle and domesticated animals in other countries; however, these ticks have not yet been found to vector disease in the United States. This tick is a threat to warm-blooded animals because of its ability to reproduce so quickly. If too many Asian longhorned ticks attach to the same animal, there could be significant blood loss and eventual death for the host, which has been found to happen to cattle and sheep outside of the US. For cattle and goats who are bitten by this tick, the amount of milk produced can be greatly reduced. Research is still ongoing to determine the level of risk this species poses to humans but people should be more concerned about native tick species that do spread disease to humans. Currently, the main danger known of the Asian longhorned tick is to livestock.

If you suspect an Asian longhorned tick issue at your home, the best course of action is to contact a licensed pest control professional. They will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the problem. Once the situation is properly identified, the appropriate control measures can be taken.

You can find a certified pest professional near you with the helpful zip code search below.