Protect Your Family and Pets: The Rising Threat of the Asian Longhorned Tick

Ticks have long been a concern in New England, but a new invader is raising fresh alarm. The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), a highly invasive species first identified in the U.S. in 2017, is now spreading across numerous states—including right here in Connecticut. At Verdant Pest Control, we believe it’s critical to stay one step ahead of emerging threats like this to protect your home, family, and pets.

Why This Tick Is Different

Unlike many other ticks, the Asian longhorned tick (ALT) can reproduce without mating. One female tick can lay thousands of eggs, creating rapidly expanding populations. These ticks are known to aggressively attach to hosts and are hard to detect due to their small size—especially in their larval and nymph stages. Even worse, their presence has been linked to serious problems in livestock and potential economic impacts in agriculture.

Health Risks and Public Concern

Although ALTs haven’t yet been shown to transmit diseases to humans in the U.S., they are known carriers of disease elsewhere. This has prompted health officials and pest control professionals to closely monitor their spread. These ticks are already a concern for disease transmission in pets and livestock—and research is ongoing to determine the risks to people.

Ticks in Connecticut: A Growing Problem

Connecticut’s wooded landscapes and mild climate make it a hotbed for tick activity. As climate patterns change and global travel continues, ticks like the ALT are expanding their range. In recent years, our technicians at Verdant Pest Control have seen an increase in tick activity—even during months when populations have historically been low.

How Verdant Can Help

Protecting your home from ticks takes more than just repellents and DIY sprays. At Verdant Pest Control, we offer comprehensive tick control services tailored to your property. Here’s what we provide:

• Targeted yard treatments to eliminate tick populations at all life stages (larva, nymph, adult)
• Barrier applications around your home’s perimeter
• Pet-safe and environmentally conscious solutions
• Ongoing service plans to keep your yard tick-free all season

What You Can Do Now

Here are a few quick steps to reduce your risk of tick bites:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when working outdoors
• Use tick repellents and check yourself and pets after being outside
• Keep your grass mowed and remove leaf litter
• Schedule professional tick control service with Verdant Pest Control

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Ticks are more than a nuisance—they’re a serious threat to health and safety. With species like the Asian longhorned tick emerging in our region, proactive protection is more important than ever. Call Verdant Pest Control today and ask about our seasonal tick prevention plans. Let’s keep your yard—and your loved ones—safe from ticks all year long.

Verdant Pest Control – Local, trusted, and committed to protecting what matters most.