What Happens In The Fall To Ticks?

You're not the only one who thinks that ticks will start to go away in a few days. In fact, many people in New Jersey, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and beyond, think that ticks aren't a big problem or health risk in the fall. That is not the case, though. Some ticks in New Jersey are a problem all year, not just in the spring and summer.

What Kinds of Ticks are Active in New Jersey During Fall?

The American dog tick, the brown dog tick, the Lone Star tick, and the black-legged tick, also called a deer tick, are the most common types of ticks in the Garden State. Dog ticks and the Lone Star tick will stop moving when it gets colder, but this is not true of deer ticks. 

In fact, these biting pests are getting worse and will continue to be a problem as long as the ground temperature stays above 45°F and the air temperature stays above freezing. Also, nymphs will grow into adult deer ticks during the fall and winter months and start feeding. During this time, tick eggs will also hatch, and the ticks will look for small animals to feed on.

Do Ticks Die in the First Frost?

On average, New Jersey gets its first frost in early October. Even though the frost may kill mosquitoes and take out what's left in your garden, it won't kill deer ticks. Like George Washington did in 1776 when he ran away from New York, ticks will run away when it freezes for the first time, but they won't give up the fight.

Where Do Ticks Hide When Fall Comes?

Ticks will hide in the leaf litter when it's too cold outside. They'll stay there until it's warm enough to go back out. That is why it is so important to keep wooded and brushy areas free of leaves, mulch, and other organic debris.

Is It Possible to Get Lyme Disease in the Fall?

Lyme disease is a risk whenever deer ticks are out and about. The autumn months are no different. The CDC says that the Lyme disease bacterium can only be passed on by deer ticks that have been attached for 36 to 48 hours or more. With this information in mind, we cannot stress enough how important it is to check your whole body, including your arms, legs, groin, armpits, scalp, etc., for these disease-spreading bugs after spending any time outside.

How Likely Is It to Get Lyme Disease?

Michigan State University says that deer ticks in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and North Central states cause more than 95% of Lyme disease cases in the U.S. Also, 20–30% of black-legged tick nymphs and 50–60% of adult female ticks in these areas are infected.

How Do You Reduce the Chance of Getting Lyme and Other Diseases that Ticks Carry?

You are less likely to get sick from ticks if you get rid of them as soon as you find them, ideally within 36 hours of when they are first attached. Other ways to avoid getting bitten by a tick are:

• Wearing light-colored clothes will make it easier to find ticks.
• Use products with permethrin to keep ticks away.
• Check yourself, your family, and your pets after being outside for any amount of time.

What Should I Do If I See a Tick?

Here's what the CDC says you should do to get rid of a tick:

• Grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin's surface as you can and pull up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or pull on the tick, or parts of its mouth could break off and stay in the skin. If that happens, just remove it with tweezers if you can, or leave it alone so the skin can heal.
• Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to clean the area where the bug bit you. Wash your hands well, too.
• If you want to have the tick tested, you can either flush it down the toilet or put it in a bag. Don't use your fingers to crush the tick.
• Once the tick has been removed, keep an eye on the bite site and call your doctor if you are worried or if you see a bulls-eye rash or other signs of Lyme disease.

Jersey City Exterminator's Seasonal Tick Control

With our seasonal tick control services, Jersey City Exterminator keeps people and pets safe from ticks and the diseases they spread. In April and October, one of our experienced pest control technicians will apply granular tick treatment to your lawn. This will kill both adult ticks and ticks in other stages of life that may be hiding out. We'll come to spray your property for ticks and mosquitoes from May to September. Our focus will be on the places where these pests live, breed, and wait for people to eat.

Even though no pest control company can completely get rid of mosquitoes and ticks, Jersey City Exterminator's treatments make a big difference and let you enjoy your outdoor living space. Contact us right away if you want to find out more or sign up for service!