Unlike many other summer pests, ticks remain active until the first freeze. When hiking in the fall, it is important to take preventative measures to keep you and your pets free of the parasites. Door County Public Health Registered Sanitarian Chelsea Smies reminds you to avoid tall grass in the forest. Stick to worn trails and use bug spray on your clothing before you leave. When back inside, any ticks attached to apparel can be killed by a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes. If a tick is discovered on your body Smies says to take care when removing it. 

Ticks are a potential health risk due to the bacteria they carry which can lead to serious illness including Lyme disease.