Your Fall Guide to a Tick-Free Foliage Season in New York

Fall in New York is one of the most beautiful times of the year, with the fiery colors of the Hudson Valley, and families enjoying apple orchards, pumpkin patches, cozy hayrides, and scenic hikes.

While taking in the spectacular beauty of fall, it’s important to remember that ticks and other fall pests are most active during this season.

Here’s a handy guide to help you embrace the beauty and fun of fall in New York while protecting yourself from unwanted pests.

1. Fall Essentials to Prevent Ticks and Other Pests 

●       Wear Light-Colored, Long Clothing: Ticks are easier to spot on lighter fabrics. Tuck pants into socks or boots to reduce skin exposure.

●       Use Repellent: Apply a DEET-based spray or consider using permethrin-treated clothing for added protection against ticks.

●       Stay on the Path: Whether you’re hiking or walking through orchards, avoid brushing against tall grasses, shrubs, or leaf piles where ticks hide.

●       Perform Regular Tick Checks: Look for ticks every hour while outdoors. Once home, conduct a thorough full-body check, paying special attention to areas such as behind the knees, under the arms, at the waistline, and along the scalp.

●       Pack a Tick Kit: Keep tweezers and antiseptic wipes in your bag in case you need to remove a tick on the go.

Other Fall Pests & Risks

●       Mosquitoes can linger in wet, shaded areas, especially in early fall.

●       Cold Season Pests like stink bugs, cluster flies, and Asian lady beetles may start seeking shelter in homes and buildings.

●       Allergies and molds Ragweed, pollen collected on fallen leaves, or decaying vegetation may trigger allergies.

2. Best Spots for Fall Activities Near NYC

1. Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches (Hudson Valley & Beyond)
   From Fishkill Farms to Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, the Hudson Valley is abounding with orchards filled with fall flavors and photo-worthy pumpkin patches. Remember: kids or pets playing in hay or running through orchards should be checked carefully afterward for ticks.
   
   
2. Hayrides & Corn Mazes (Westchester & Dutchess Counties)
   Fall festivals are a lot of fun for families, but hay bales and cornfields can harbor ticks and other pests. Apply repellent before you go and wear closed-toe shoes.
   
   
3. Hudson Valley Hiking Trails & Scenic Foliage Spots
   

○       Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining, NY) – 15 miles of trails with serene lake views and brilliant foliage.

○       Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (Pound Ridge, NY) – Over 4,000 acres of meadows, forests, and autumn color.

○       Anthony’s Nose (Cortlandt, NY) – A steep climb with unbeatable Hudson River views; ideal for peak leaf season.

○       Bear Mountain State Park (Bear Mountain, NY) – Popular for family hikes, scenic drives, and incredible overlooks of the Hudson Highlands.

○       Walkway Over the Hudson  (Poughkeepsie, NY)– The world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge offers unmatched panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding fall colors.

For a more detailed list of trails and tick prevention tips, check out our Hiker’s Guide to Preventing Ticks.

3. Post-Hike Pest Prevention 

●       Post-Outing Clothing Care: Toss your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any hidden ticks you might have picked up.

●       Full-Body Tick Check: Make this a routine after fall outings, especially for children and pets.

●       Shower Soon: Showering within two hours of being outdoors helps wash away ticks and reduce your risk.

Enjoy Fall, Safely!

Autumn is too beautiful to miss. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy every apple picking trip to the orchard, hayride, and hike without worry. JP McHale Pest Management offers a range of environmentally-friendly treatments and services that help protect your family and home from ticks and fall pests.

For more information on Tick Prevention, contact us at (833) 246-2159 or email sales@nopests.com.