Illinois Fall: What You Should Know About Ticks In Leaf Piles

If you've been outside lately, you've probably noticed that Northern Illinois neighborhoods are beginning to look like one giant leaf-removal project.

Every decent afternoon, people are raking, blowing, and bagging leaves just to keep up with the neighbors. Unfortunately, those beautiful piles of autumn leaves may be providing shelter for some unwanted visitors. That would be ticks.

And while ticks might seem like a spring and summer problem, experts say autumn is still very much part of tick season.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are particularly important in Northern Illinois. They're capable of transmitting Lyme disease, and adult ticks can remain active well into fall and even during winter days when temperatures rise above freezing.

a close up of a tick laying on someone's arm

So, Are Those Leaf Piles In Your Yard Dangerous?

Not necessarily, but you also don't want carry them into your house, either.

Ticks don't suddenly appear because somebody raked their yard or ran around with a leaf blower.

However, leaf litter provides a moist, protected environment where ticks can survive. Shady areas, wooded edges, tall grass and places frequented by wildlife are particularly attractive tick habitats.

And here's something worth remembering: ticks don't jump out of leaf piles or fly through the air. They generally crawl onto people or pets when they brush against vegetation.

So...keep your vegetation-brushing to a minimum, I guess.

a red rake laying on top of a pile of leaves

It's Not Like You're Going To Just Ignore Your Leaves (Although Some People Do)

If you're spending time outdoors this fall, experts recommend wearing long pants, using an appropriate insect repellent, and checking yourself, your children and your pets after spending time outside.

Keeping your grass trimmed and clearing leaves away from frequently used areas can also help reduce exposure.

The bottom line is that you don't have to abandon your backyard or treat every leaf pile like a biological hazard. But with Northern Illinois still experiencing tick activity in the fall, a little caution could prevent a very unpleasant souvenir from your afternoon of yardwork.