Orange County Executive Neuhaus Urges Residents to Take Precautions During Peak Tick Season

Orange County Government
Office of County Executive,
Steven M. Neuhaus
NEWS RELEASE

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the Department of Health are urging residents to protect themselves against ticks as outdoor activity increases during the warmer months. Tick season typically peaks between April and September, and even everyday activities like walking the dog or mowing the lawn can put people at risk for tick bites and the serious illnesses they may carry.

“We want residents to enjoy everything our beautiful County has to offer during the summer, but it’s important to keep yourself safe and healthy, which means staying vigilant when it comes to ticks,” said Neuhaus. “A few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing tick bites and protecting your health and the health of those you love.”

Why It Matters 

Ticks can carry pathogens that cause over a dozen illnesses. Lyme disease is the most well-known and can lead to serious complications if untreated, including neurological and heart issues. Anaplasmosis and babesiosis can vary in severity, but without treatment, they can cause serious illness and even death. Prompt tick removal is important as transmission of these diseases can occur between 12-72 hours. Ticks thrive in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas—places many of us frequent during the warmer months.

“Tick exposure can happen year-round, but is most common during spring and summer,” said Dr. Jennifer Roman, Acting Commissioner of Health. “Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis are common tick-borne diseases in our area, and prevention is key.”

Tick Prevention Tips 

Whether you’re hiking a trail, mowing the lawn, or playing outside, here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Dress smart: Wear closed-toe shoes, socks, long sleeves, and long pants. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants to limit skin exposure.
  • Use repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin to exposed skin. Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin (follow product instructions carefully).
  • Check often: Ticks love warm, hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, waist, and behind the knees. Do a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors, and check pets, young children, and anyone who cannot self-check.
  • Shower soon: Showering within two hours of being outside can help wash off ticks that haven’t latched on yet.
  • Tumble-dry clothes: Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes to kill unseen ticks.
  • Keep yards clean: Mow the lawn regularly, trim overgrown areas, and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitats.

Safe Tick Removal 

If you find a tick attached to your skin:

  1. Don’t panic. Not all ticks are infected, and risk is lowest if removed quickly.
  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible (do not squeeze the body).
  1. Pull upward steadily without twisting.
  1. Clean the bite area with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
  1. Save the tick in rubbing alcohol if you’d like to identify it later.
  1. Write down the date and monitor the bite for up to 30 days for signs of rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are experienced.

Need help identifying a tick? OCDOH can help. Call 845-291-2331 and bring the tick in (alive and intact).

Know the Facts 

  • Ticks are active in warm months and are especially common in the Northeastern U.S.
  • Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Lyme disease can be preventable with prompt tick removal
  • Emergency department visits for tick-borne illnesses are higher in the Hudson Valley compared to all of New York State

For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

To stay informed about County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus’ work and initiatives across Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on social media:

  • Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
  • Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
  • X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC

You can also watch NeuCast podcasts and the Leadership Speaker Series on the Orange County Government YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OrangeCountyNewYork

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