Where Ticks Are Found in New Jersey (and How to Avoid Them)

Top Places Ticks Are Found in New Jersey

1. Wooded areas

Dense, shaded woods are classic tick habitat. They stay moist, protected from sun and wind, and are full of hosts like deer and small mammals. When hiking or camping, stick to cleared trails, wear long pants, and do a full tick check after.

2. Leafy bushes, shrubs & tall grass

Ticks “quest” by waiting on vegetation for a host to brush by. Overgrown shrubs, tall grass, and unmowed edges create perfect tick highways. Keep lawn edges and fence lines trimmed, and don’t let leaf litter build up under shrubs.

3. Outdoor recreational areas

Parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and trail edges attract both people and pets — and ticks follow. After outdoor time, check ankles/socks, behind knees, waistline, and scalp. For kids, pay attention behind ears and hairline.

4. Wildlife areas

Deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and other wildlife transport ticks into neighborhoods. If you see frequent wildlife traffic (especially along a yard edge), that’s often where tick pressure is highest.

5. Beaches & coastal vegetation

Ticks aren’t only a “woods problem.” In New Jersey, dune grass, shaded coastal vegetation, and brushy edges can also harbor ticks. If you’re walking through tall beach grass or sitting near vegetated edges, do a quick check afterward.

How to Avoid Ticks in New Jersey

1. Wear protective clothing

In tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tucking pants into socks helps block the “crawl up” route. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

2. Use tick repellent

Apply repellent to skin and clothing when you’ll be in high-risk areas. Botanical repellents can be a good fit for families who prefer gentler options — just follow label directions and reapply as needed.

3. Check yourself & your pets

After being outdoors, do a thorough tick check — especially scalp, ears, waistline, armpits, and behind knees. For pets, check around ears, collar line, between toes, and under the tail.

Learn how to remove ticks safely here: How to Check for Ticks and Remove Them Safely .

4. Maintain your yard

Yard maintenance is one of the strongest tick defenses. Keep grass cut, remove leaf litter, trim shrubs, and keep wood piles neat and away from high-traffic areas.

More tips here: How to Maintain Your Yard to Prevent Ticks .

Yard actions that help the most (fast checklist)

• Focus the edges: Fence lines, brush lines, stone walls, and shaded beds are where ticks concentrate.
• Remove leaf litter: Especially under shrubs and along borders — it’s a humid tick shelter.
• Create a buffer: Gravel/stone between woods and lawn can reduce tick movement.
• Move play areas: Keep swings, trampolines, and seating away from wooded borders and tall vegetation.
• Pet paths matter: Ticks hitchhike — consider where dogs run and where wildlife enters.

Consider Professional Tick Control

If ticks are becoming a problem, professional treatment may be necessary — especially for properties with woods, heavy landscaping, or frequent wildlife traffic. Bite Back Tick and Mosquito Control uses all-natural, eco-friendly solutions designed with kids, pets, and pollinators in mind — while helping reduce tick populations on your property with a consistent plan.

Stay Tick-Safe in New Jersey

Ticks are common throughout New Jersey, but with the right precautions you can greatly reduce your risk: avoid tick-heavy areas when possible, wear protective clothing, use repellent, check yourself and your pets, and maintain your outdoor spaces.

For added protection, trust the professionals at Bite Back Tick and Mosquito Control to help keep your yard safer with natural, effective tick control solutions.

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