Scotch Plains Township, NJ

Nymphs are questing, the highest-risk stage for people. Nymphal deer ticks peak in late spring and summer. They're the size of a poppy seed, easy to miss, and cause most Lyme transmission.

Scotch Plains Township is 92% natural land cover (85% forest, plus open and brushy areas) across its 9.02 sq mi, home to about 24,430 people. That makes it the 3rd-most wooded of the 21 towns in Union County. Deer ticks live in wooded areas, along trail edges, and in tall grass — the more of that a town has, the more places ticks can quest.

Union County reports about 24 Lyme cases per 100,000 people a year, the 203rd-highest of 210 Northeast counties. That county-level disease pressure, combined with Scotch Plains Township's local habitat, sets how high its daily score can climb when the weather and season allow.

Yes. Nymphs are questing, the highest-risk stage for people. In Scotch Plains Township, today's risk reads moderate (39/100). Ticks are active. Use repellent, stick to trails, and do a tick check when you come inside.