Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) scientists are reporting that tick activity is already very high this season. Tick samples sent to the CAES lab are testing positive for Lyme disease at a higher than average rate. Residents who spend time outside should take precautions. Residents are encouraged to submit ticks removed from their bodies to the laboratory for species identification and testing. According to CAES, the most common species of tick around the state are black-legged “deer” ticks and American dog ticks, but invasive lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and longhorned ticks are also present. Read the press release from the Tick Testing Program at CAES here. The Health District will identify species and submit ticks to the CAES lab. Click here for more information about our service and a tick submission form.