MANLIUS, N.Y. — After an end to a cold winter, tick season is in full swing. New York State is one of the highest risk states for ticks, which can spread diseases like lyme disease.
To get a tick, all you have to do is spend some time outdoors. Upstate University Hospital Doctor Saravanan Thangamani is concerned about the increase in the number of ticks submitted to the lab for review.
“My concern is the rise in the number of ticks and the rise in the number of human interactions,” Dr. Thangamani said.
The number of ticks submitted to the hospital for review has increased by 200% in 2025 since this time last year. Experts say this could be due to the extended winter seasons and to pets.
Dogs can easily contract on these bugs in their fur while playing or using the bathroom outside. Then, when they step inside, they can easily pass it off to their owners just with one pet on the back.
Dr. Thangamani said he isn’t just worried about the increase in ticks. He’s also worried about the increase in the pathogens they carry. Some examples are lyme disease or anaplasmosis, a flu-like illness that left untreated can turn to hospitalization.
The Town of Manlius has a proactive approach to addressing lyme disease and the spread of ticks. The town managers the deer population, a frequent source for ticks. This program in the community has run for several years. The managing of the deer population in the area is also to reduce car accidents and protect vegetation on people’s property. In 2024, 53 deer were removed from the Town of Manlius.
Through a poll made by the town board, residents have said that they haven’t seen many changes to the number of ticks they encouncter. However, they are hopeful the program will have an impact on the community in the long term.
