Oct 01, 2025

October Tick Checks: Don’t Drop Your Guard

Don’t Drop Your Guard: Why Tick Checks Still Matter in Late September and October

Short version: Adult blacklegged ticks ramp up in October and stay active on any mild day. Keep doing quick tick checks, high-heat drying for clothes, and a 30-second brush-down at the door for people, pets, and gear. CDC+1

TL;DR checklist

Before coming inside: brush down pants, socks, shoes, backpacks, and leashes with a TiCK MiTT .
After outdoor time: check hairline, behind ears, underarms, waistband, groin, behind knees, and ankles; shower within 2 hours. CDC
Clothes: tumble-dry on high heat for ~10 minutes (longer if damp) to kill ticks on dry clothing. CDC
Pets: use vet-approved preventatives and check fur, ears, and paws; pets can bring ticks indoors. CDC

Myth: “Tick season ends with summer”

Reality: In much of the U.S., the risk continues into fall. Adult blacklegged ticks are especially active in October and November, and adults can search for hosts whenever winter temps rise above freezing. Translation: if it’s a mild day, ticks are open for business. University of Rhode Island+1

Why fall activities keep exposure high

Leaf piles and yardwork: Leaf litter and brushy borders are classic tick habitat. Raking, bagging, and playing in leaves all put you in contact.
Sports and school events: Sidelines and field edges often have taller grass and leaf litter.
Hikes, orchards, pumpkin patches: Trail edges, fence lines, and unmaintained paths are prime zones.
Dogs: Walks, fields, and dog parks mean ticks. Pets can carry them into the car and home. CDC

What actually works in fall

Layer your defenses:

Treat clothing/gear with 0.5% permethrin or buy pre-treated items; never apply permethrin to skin. It remains protective through several washings. CDC
Do a 30-second brush-down at the door with a TiCK MiTT to remove loose ticks from clothing, socks, shoes, backpacks, sports gear, and leashes before they reach couches or carpets.
Dry then wash: High-heat tumble drying kills ticks on dry clothes; then wash as needed. CDC

Quick routines for real life

After school or practice

Swipe cuffs, socks, and shoes; check scalp and ears. Keep a mitt on a hook by the door. For independent use, try T iCK MiTT KiDS .

Weekend yardwork

Before heading inside, brush down outerwear and pant legs with a TiCK MiTT . Strip off outer layers straight into the dryer.

Dog walks and trail days

Swipe your dog’s fur, ears, collar line, armpits, and belly before the ride home. Pets can introduce ticks to your home environment, so make the brush-down a habit. CDC

Why we’re still talking about this in October

Milder autumns and shorter, warmer winters increase the number of days when ticks can be active. That extends exposure seasons and expands risk areas. Don’t wait for frost to restart prevention; keep the routine steady through fall. US EPA+1

What to do if you find a tick

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure; don’t twist or crush.
Clean the area and your hands.
Monitor for rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms and consult a clinician if concerned.
Shower within two hours when possible; it helps wash away unattached ticks and doubles as a full-body check. CDC

How TiCK MiTT fits your fall routine

The TiCK MiTT is chemical-free and reusable, designed for fast brush-downs at the door or car. For busy households, keep a mitt at each entry with a family bundle . For kids, hang a KiDS MiTT beside their backpack so they can help.

FAQs

Is there any point to checks if I’m wearing treated clothing?
Yes. No single method is 100%. Treated clothing lowers risk; checks, brush-downs, and high-heat drying add crucial layers. CDC+1

Do I still need repellent on cool days?
If you’ll be in brushy or leaf-littered areas, yes. Adult ticks remain active in fall, especially on mild days. CDC

How long should I dry clothes after yardwork or a hike?
About 10 minutes on high heat for dry clothing, longer if damp. Then wash if needed. CDC

Can my dog bring ticks into the house even with preventatives?
Yes. Preventatives help, but pets can still carry loose ticks indoors. Do a quick post-walk check and brush-down. CDC