See a Tick? Send a Tick! We ask New Jerseyans to send us any ticks they encounter so we can make a tick map of NJ. We identify and test the ticks at no cost!
When extracting tick DNA, we put each tick in a tube, and add a metal bead. Then we cover and place the tubes in the "Bead Beater" to mash the ticks! #nj#ticks#science#njticks4science
When ticks become adults only females get super engorged! This is because they need more energy, and therefore more blood, to make eggs! #NJ#Ticks#Science#NJTicks4Science
DO NOT use a flame to remove a tick! Remove ticks with tweezers, a tick remover or as a last resort your fingers! The most important thing is to remove a tick as soon as possible!
Sometimes the ticks people send in are still alive! To observe them under the microscope we'll flip them over, so they don't crawl away! #nj#ticks#science#njticks4science
Ticks actually take days to get engorged, but walking through tall grass does makes it likelier that you'll become a bloodmeal! To protect yourself from ticks, apply a repellent like DEET and do a tick check! #nj#ticks#science#njticks4science
In 2017 Rutgers Center for Vector Biology was the first to report finding the invasive Asian Longhorn Tick in the U.S. #nj#ticks#science#njticks4science