Identify a Tick

Use this guide to identify common ticks found on Long Island and understand the risks they carry.

Common ticks on Long Island

  • Deer tick (blacklegged tick)
    Most common carrier of Lyme disease.

  • Dog tick
    Larger and easier to spot. Less likely to carry Lyme.

  • Lone star tick
    Recognizable by a white dot. Associated with alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy) and other illnesses.

A guide showing how to identify common ticks on Long Island, including deer tick, dog tick, and lone star tick, with images of adult and nymph stages, their size comparisons, and tips for recognizing and protecting against tick-borne illnesses.
Remove a tick safely