Highland Falls Tick Prevention Guide
Protecting Orange County residents and visitors from tick-borne diseases
Highland Falls is the gateway to West Point and Bear Mountain. The Hudson Highlands terrain offers spectacular views but very high tick populations.
Tick Prevention in Highland Falls, NY
Highland Falls is located in Orange County in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. Like all Hudson Valley communities, Highland Falls residents face significant exposure to ticks, particularly the blacklegged tick (deer tick) that transmits Lyme disease.
This guide provides Highland Falls-specific information about tick prevention, including details about local parks, trails, and outdoor areas where tick awareness is essential.
- Peak tick season runs from April through November
- Orange County has one of the highest Lyme disease rates in New York State
- Adult deer ticks are most active in fall and early spring
- Nymphal ticks (spring/summer) cause most human infections due to their small size
Parks and Trails in Highland Falls
These popular outdoor destinations in and around Highland Falls require tick prevention awareness:
Parks
- West Point grounds
- Bear Mountain State Park nearby
- Roe Park
Trails
- Bear Mountain trails
- West Point hiking trails
- Bull Hill nearby
Other Outdoor Areas
- Main Street village
- West Point visitor areas
- Constitution Island
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Wear long pants and long sleeves, preferably light-colored
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin (0.5%)
- Stay on marked trails and avoid brushing against vegetation
- Perform a thorough tick check after returning home
Tick Prevention Strategies for Highland Falls Residents
Personal Protection
When enjoying the outdoors in Highland Falls, these prevention strategies are essential:
- Use EPA-Registered Repellents: Apply DEET (20-30%), picaridin (20%), or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin
- Treat Clothing with Permethrin: Spray or purchase pre-treated clothing that kills ticks on contact
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long pants tucked into socks, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes
- Choose Light Colors: Makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach
- Stay on Trails: Avoid walking through tall grass and leaf litter
After Outdoor Activities
- Shower Within 2 Hours: Reduces risk of Lyme disease transmission
- Perform a Full Body Check: Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas
- Check Pets: Dogs can bring ticks into your home
- Tumble Dry Clothes: High heat for 10 minutes kills ticks
Protecting Your Highland Falls Property
Many tick bites occur in residential yards. Highland Falls homeowners can reduce tick populations with these strategies:
- Create a Tick-Safe Zone: Keep lawns mowed short and remove leaf litter
- Install Barriers: Use wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas
- Remove Brush: Clear tall grasses and brush around the home
- Manage Wildlife: Fence gardens to discourage deer; relocate woodpiles away from the home
- Consider Professional Treatment: Yard sprays can reduce tick populations
For detailed yard protection strategies, see our complete yard tick control guide.
Seasonal Tick Activity in Highland Falls
Spring (March-May)
As temperatures rise, both adult deer ticks from fall and newly active nymphs become active. Nymphs are particularly dangerous due to their small size (poppy seed). Highland Falls residents should be especially vigilant during spring outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August)
Peak nymph season continues through early summer. The warm weather in Orange County brings more people outdoors, increasing tick encounter risk at Highland Falls's parks and trails.
Fall (September-November)
Adult deer ticks are most active in fall. Leaf peeping, apple picking, and hiking at Highland Falls's outdoor areas all carry tick exposure risk.
Winter (December-February)
While tick activity decreases, adult deer ticks can remain active on warmer winter days (above 35°F). Don't let your guard down completely during Highland Falls winter hikes.
What to Do If You Find a Tick in Highland Falls
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure - do not twist or jerk
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
- Save the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed
- Monitor for symptoms for 30 days
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite:
- Expanding red rash (may look like a bullseye)
- Fever, chills, or body aches
- Fatigue or headache
- Joint pain or swelling
- Facial palsy (drooping)
For complete tick removal instructions, see our guide to safe tick removal.
Tick Prevention Resources for Highland Falls
Orange County Health Department
Your local health department provides tick testing, Lyme disease information, and prevention resources for Orange County residents.
Recommended Gear
Visit our tick prevention gear guide for product recommendations including:
- EPA-registered repellents
- Permethrin spray for clothing
- Tick removal tools
- Protective clothing options
Learn More About Lyme Disease
Read our Highland Falls Lyme Disease Guide for information specific to Lyme disease in your community.
Tick Prevention Guides for Nearby Orange County Towns
Stay Safe Outdoors in Highland Falls
The Hudson Valley offers incredible outdoor opportunities, and Highland Falls is no exception. By following these tick prevention strategies, you can safely enjoy all that Highland Falls and Orange County have to offer.