Ticks
Ticks
Ticks are small parasitic organisms found in many places throughout the Capital District Region of NY. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is home to at least two species of ticks: the black-legged tick (also known as deer tick) and the dog tick. To learn more about the life cycle of ticks, click here.
These tiny creatures have gained a lot attention for their potential to transmit disease to humans and our pets. Black-legged ticks alone can carry multiple pathogens including the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Don’t Forget to Check!
After spending time outdoors, it is important to check your body for ticks. They are small and easy to overlook, so check carefully and thoroughly.
To protect yourself, please follow these simple precautions while visiting the Albany Pine Bush Preserve:
1. Stay on marked trails.
2. Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks and tuck shirt into pants.
3. Consider using insect repellent, following label directions carefully.
4. Check yourself frequently for ticks during your visit.
5. Do a complete body check for ticks after your visit. Be sure to check children and pets too.
6. Follow NYS Department of Health procedure for removing ticks.
Share your Pine Bush Observations
One of the world’s most popular nature apps, iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you. iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
