Do You Need To Spray for Ticks in the Fall?
If you’re asking yourself, “When should I stop spraying for ticks?”, you’re not alone. As the weather begins to cool, many homeowners want to know whether tick spray treatments are still necessary — or whether the risk has dropped enough to let up. It is a common misconception that ticks disappear or die when temperatures begin to drop. While some species, like the American dog tick and the lone star tick, become less active in fall, deer ticks—the primary carriers of Lyme disease—are actually highly active during this time.
Tick Activity in New England
Deer ticks (also known as blacklegged ticks) remain active throughout fall in New England, with a second peak of activity in October and November.
Tick activity begins early each year when temperatures rise above freezing (32°F). Nymphs that survived the winter become active again in spring, searching for their next blood meal. At the same time, eggs laid the previous season begin to hatch into larvae. As the months warm up, ticks move through their life stages—larva, nymph, and adult—each requiring a host to feed on before molting into the next stage.
But why do we see a spike in tick activity in the fall? The cool, moist conditions of autumn, combined with an abundance of fallen leaves, create the perfect environment for ticks to remain active. Leaf litter provides them with shelter and humidity, which are critical for their survival. During this time, adult female deer ticks, having successfully mated, are searching for one last blood meal before winter. After feeding, they will burrow beneath leaves and ground litter to lay their eggs. Each female tick can lay up to 2,000 eggs, which will hatch the following spring, continuing the cycle.
When Should I Stop Spraying For Ticks?
Ticks remain active and searching for a blood meal until temperatures consistently stay below freezing (around 32°F). Once it’s cold enough, they go dormant beneath leaf litter, waiting to reemerge when temperatures rise in the spring. In recent years, however, warmer fall weather has stretched tick season well into December. With the effects of climate change, ticks may continue staying active later each year.
As a general guideline, we recommend spraying from March through December, though the exact season depends on weather patterns. We continue treatments until temperatures have consistently dropped below freezing to ensure protection for anyone still enjoying the yard, including pets.
What Happens If You Stop Spraying Too Early?
At Pure Solutions, we strongly recommend continuing tick sprays throughout the fall. As deer tick activity peaks, the likelihood of encountering adult ticks rises significantly. During this time, females are also laying thousands of eggs. Without treatment, those eggs will hatch on your property in the spring, creating a fresh wave of ticks and a renewed risk of disease for your family and pets.
Does Our Spray Work on Ticks in All Life Stages?
Yes, our spray is effective against ticks at every stage of their life cycle. Whether they are larvae, nymphs, or adults, the treatment works by penetrating their exoskeleton, killing them on contact. Even after the initial application, the product continues to provide protection for weeks, eliminating any ticks that enter the treated area. This ensures consistent, long-lasting defense against ticks on your property.
Ticks don’t disappear just because summer ends — in fact, fall can be one of the riskiest times of year. By continuing treatments into the cooler months, you’re not only protecting your family and pets from tick-borne diseases now, but also reducing the number of ticks that will hatch on your property in the spring. Staying proactive through the fall ensures your yard remains a safe, comfortable space year-round.
