5 Tips for Avoiding Ticks in the Fall

Autumn is prime time to prepare your yard for the winter ahead – to rake up fallen leaves, mulch, plant bulbs, and clear away garden clutter. It’s also an excellent season for spending time in nature: walking through woods ablaze in fall color or sitting around a cozy fire pit. One might think that fall is an idyllic, bug-free season with its cooler temperatures, but don’t let down your guard. There are still ticks out there, waiting for the perfect host to latch on to; don’t let it be you, your family, or your pets.

Are Ticks Active in the Fall and Winter?

Can you get ticks in the fall? Absolutely! April through October is considered tick season in the northeastern United States, but ticks can thrive well into the fall and early winter. As long as the temperature is above freezing, ticks may be active.

What Happens to Ticks in the Fall?

Ticks tend to hide under fallen leaves or other yard debris in the fall, so you must take precautions to avoid encountering them. At what temperature do ticks become inactive? Ticks may be active if the temperature is above 40 degrees and there’s no snow on the ground. They can survive temperatures as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit if they find shelter.

Can You Get Lyme Disease in the Fall?

Any time you encounter a tick, Lyme disease is a possibility. You can contract tick-borne diseases year-round, even in the winter. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks may carry ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal allergies.

5 Tips for Avoiding Ticks

This fall, minimize potential exposure to ticks by taking these common-sense precautions:

1. 1. Create a perimeter.

Do everything you can to make ticks unwelcome on your property. Exclude ticks by keeping your yard clear of debris; rake up leaves, remove woodpiles, and keep the grass short. If feasible, lay down a 3-foot wide barrier of gravel around your property to separate it from adjacent wooded areas. This gravel barrier can reduce the number of ticks that would otherwise invade your property. Consider fencing your yard to keep out deer and other Long Island wildlife that can carry ticks onto your property.

1. 1. Dress appropriately.

Wear clothing that prevents ticks from latching onto your skin when working or playing outdoors. Choose long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks or boots, and closed-toe shoes or boots. If possible, wear light colors, which are less attractive to ticks.

1. 1. Use tick repellent.

Products with DEET can help repel (but not kill) ticks, and these can be sprayed onto clothing or skin. Permethrin-containing products kill ticks but can only be sprayed on clothing, not the skin. Be sure to read labels carefully and use repellents according to their instructions.

1. 1. Check for ticks.

Every time you come indoors, especially after time in or near wooded areas, perform a tick check on yourself, your children, and your pets. Make it a regular habit to look for ticks on your clothing, body, and anything you bring in from the outdoors. Not sure what ticks look like? Download our tick ID reference card and keep it on the fridge.

1. 1. Hire a professional.

The best option to control the tick population on your property is to have a professional yard spray service from East End Tick Control®.

Don’t Wait for Cold Weather to Solve a Tick Problem; Call East End Tick Control® Today

If you see signs of a tick infestation on your Eastern Long Island property, don’t wait for cold weather to solve the problem. Contact East End Tick Control® today so we can use our tried and true services to protect your family. Request a free estimate, or call our Southampton office at (631) 287-9700, our East Hampton office at (631) 324-9700, or our Southold office at (631) 765-9700.