NYS IPM Type: Project ReportTicks and tick-borne diseases have become a significant public health issue in the Northeastern United States, including New York. With Lyme disease representing the number one vector-borne pathogen in the US, researchers are working to better understand the biology and ecology of ticks, while the medical community works toward improving diagnostic techniques and treatment. Despite these efforts, individuals continue to encounter ticks that may harbor pathogens. Therefore, starting in 2014 the New York State IPM Program established a new priority to develop, confirm, and/or promote methods for reducing the impact of ticks in community settings in a measureable way. By providing education about tick biology and ecology, combined with recommendations for personal protection, the goal is to reduce human interactions with ticks. To this end, the Community IPM program has engaged diverse audiences in learning about tick and host management, conducted research, assisted other organizations in disseminating their message, and applied for and received monies to create a tick outreach campaign, Don’t Get Ticked, NY, launched in 2018
