State entomologists say this could be a busier than normal tick season in Connecticut, with evidence of an invasive species native to Asia now infecting people.

State entomologists say the long horned tick was first seen in Ridgefield in 2018 when it bit a child. They say it is being seen more here along the coast than in thick wooded areas.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment station says the tick is now spreading human monocytic ehrlichiosis infection throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties. There were 28 cases reported between 2019 and 2023.

"This is capable of transmitting over 30 different disease agents - and here in the United States, we have identified at least three different disease agents from this species. Andthe last one was the ehrlichia," says state entomologist Goudarz Molaei.

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and confusion. It can become life-threatening if not treated.

If the tick bites you, you may see some redness, but not the bullseye like you see with Lyme disease. Entomologists say the long horned tick can quickly multiply.

"This tick is a very prolific tick. It is parthenogenic, meaning that this tick is capable of laying eggs without a male," says Molaei.

He says he found 250 of them in about a half an hour at a greater Bridgeport park. He says they are being spread to other areas by deer and landscaping equipment.

"It is just a matter of time that we will see that the entire state is infested with this tick species. And when I'm talking infestation, it is unlike deer tick orblack legged tick or even dog tick," says Molaei.

Entomologists say these ticks can swim, too. There is evidence of them being seen on islands off the coast. Entomologists say there is a tick repellent you can buy at many local stores, but it only lasts for about a month or two because of the ability of these ticks to reproduce.