June Mosquito & Tick Report — Long Island
June marks the start of peak mosquito season across Long Island. Warming temperatures, frequent spring rain events, and the transition from tick nymph to adult season create elevated pressure countywide. Homeowners with waterfront, wooded, or shaded properties should assess treatment options early in the month.
June Activity Summary
🦟 Mosquito Activity
High
🕷️ Tick Activity
High
Suffolk County Rainfall
3.2–4.1 inches typical for June (Suffolk County)
Nassau County Rainfall
2.9–3.8 inches typical for June (Nassau County)
🦟 Mosquito Activity — June
Mosquito populations rise sharply in June as temperatures stabilize above 65°F. Culex pipiens — the most common Long Island mosquito — completes its first major breeding cycle. Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) begins daytime activity in suburban neighborhoods. Standing water from May rains creates widespread breeding habitat across both counties.
🕷️ Tick Activity — June
June is peak deer tick nymph season — the highest-risk window for Lyme disease transmission on Long Island. Nymphs are poppy-seed sized and easily missed. Blacklegged tick adults transition from spring to summer behavior. Lone star tick activity also peaks in June, particularly in eastern Suffolk County.
Active Species This Month
Culex pipiens (Northern House Mosquito)
Primary West Nile Virus vector. Breeds in stagnant water, particularly gutters and containers.
Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito)
Aggressive daytime biter. Breeds in very small water containers including bottle caps.
Coquillettidia perturbans (Cattail Mosquito)
Emerges from saltmarsh. High pressure along South Shore and bay communities.
Ixodes scapularis (Deer Tick / Blacklegged Tick)
Primary Lyme disease vector. Nymph peak June–July.
Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star Tick)
Three-host tick. Adults active June. Eastern Suffolk County pressure.
Towns Seeing Elevated Activity in June
June Prevention Recommendations
- Eliminate all standing water sources — gutters, tarps, buckets, birdbaths
- Apply barrier treatment before June 15 for maximum early-season protection
- Mow grass short and trim vegetation around property perimeter
- Use tick repellent (DEET or Picaridin) for any outdoor activity in wooded areas
- Perform tick checks after every outdoor activity — focus on scalp, behind knees, groin
- Install door and window screens and repair any tears
- Consider treating wood chip and mulch areas where ticks harbor
Looking Ahead
July typically brings peak mosquito pressure countywide. Expect a sharp increase in Culex pipiens populations following any significant rainfall. Tick nymph activity begins to wind down as adults become more prevalent.
This report contains seasonal activity estimates based on historical Long Island mosquito and tick patterns, typical weather conditions, and regional environmental factors. It is not a government health advisory, live surveillance data, or a guarantee of specific conditions. For public health information about mosquito-borne illness in New York State, visit the NYS Department of Health website.