How to Stay Safe Outdoors this Season from Mosquitoes & Ticks

Warm weather in New Jersey means longer days, blooming gardens, and more time outdoors, but it also marks the return of two unwelcome guests: mosquitoes and ticks. These tiny pests can turn a peaceful backyard evening into a battle zone and, more importantly, carry diseases that put families, pets, and gardeners at risk.

If you live in New Jersey, you’ve likely noticed mosquito and tick activity increasing earlier each year. Climate shifts, mild winters, and expanding wildlife habitats all contribute to longer, more intense pest seasons.

“The CDC is urging the public to take steps to protect themselves and their families from tick bites, and the serious diseases they can cause, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome. Preventing tick bites is considered the best form of protection throughout tick season. If individuals do find an attached tick, they should remove it as soon as possible, and not wait to get to the ER. Removing attached ticks within 24 hours can help prevent Lyme disease. ” 

The good news? With the right strategies, you can protect your home, your yard, and your loved ones. This guide brings together expert insights from Rutgers University’s tick safety recommendations, professional landscaping practices, and trusted repellents to help you stay safe all season long.

Why Mosquitoes and Ticks Are More Than Just Annoying

Mosquitoes and ticks aren’t just irritating-they’re vectors for disease.

Mosquitoes can carry:

• West Nile Virus
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
• Zika (rare but monitored)

Ticks can transmit:

• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Powassan virus

According to Rutgers’ Tick Check guidance, ticks thrive in humid, shaded environments and are active anytime temperatures rise above 40°F. That means New Jersey’s tick season now stretches from March through December.

How Professional Gardeners Stay Safe-and How You Can Too

Professional gardeners and landscapers face ticks daily, so they’ve developed highly effective prevention habits. Homeowners can easily adopt these same strategies.

Dress for Defense

Landscapers rely on clothing as their first line of protection:

• Light colored long sleeves and pants make ticks easier to spot. White sneakers, too!
• Tuck pants into socks or boots to block ticks from crawling upward.
• Wear a hat when working under trees or shrubs.
• Super sticky tape- lint roller. ‘Roll’ your clothes immediately after working, especially if you are traveling to a community garden. No one wants to bring unwanted ‘guests’ home. We like the super sticky version.

These simple steps dramatically reduce the chance of ticks reaching your skin.

Treat Clothing with Permethrin

Permethrin is a game-changer. Unlike DEET or Picaridin, which repel insects on the skin, Permethrin kills ticks on contact.

Professionals treat:

• Boots
• Socks
• Pants
• Outer layers

Permethrin remains effective through several washes and is one of the most powerful tools for tick prevention.

Use EPA-approved skin repellents

For exposed skin, landscapers rely on:

• Picaridin
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
• DEET

These repellents help deter both mosquitoes and ticks. For a comparison of formulas, strengths, and best uses, check out REI’s Insect Repellent Comparison Guide.

 

Tick-Proof Your Yard with Smart Landscaping

Ticks love moisture, shade, and clutter. Landscapers use habitat modification to make yards less inviting.

Creating dry barriers with a 3-foot border between your lawn and wooded areas helps stop ticks from migrating into your yard. These dry surfaces dehydrate ticks quickly.

• Gravel
• Wood chips
• Mulch

Keep Grass Short

Ticks thrive in tall, humid grass. Mow regularly and keep lawns under 3 inches.

 Remove Overgrowth and Leaf Litter

Clear:

• Tall weeds
• Brush
• Leaf piles
• Overgrown shrubs

These areas are tick hotspots.

Use Acaricides (Tick Control Treatments)

Professionals often apply EPA-approved treatments like Bifenthrin to reduce tick populations along property edges. If you prefer professional help, Mosquito Joe of Edison, NJ offers both mosquito and tick control services tailored to Central Jersey homes.

Reduce Wildlife Attractants

Ticks hitch rides on:

• Mice
• Deer
• Rabbits

To discourage them:

• Store firewood in sunny areas
• Remove brush piles
• Use deer-resistant plants
• Seal gaps where rodents enter sheds or garages

Post Outdoor Hygiene: Your Last Line of Defense

Even with precautions, ticks can still find their way onto clothing or skin. That’s why landscapers follow strict post-work routines.

Do a Full Clothing Check

Before entering your home or car, inspect:

• Sleeves
• Waistbands
• Socks
• Boot laces
• Back of legs
• ‘Lint roll’ your clothes immediately after working, especially if you are traveling to a community garden. No one wants to bring unwanted ‘guests’ home.

Ticks often crawl for hours before attaching.

 

Use High Heat to Kill Hidden Ticks

Place work clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10-15 minutes. Heat kills ticks far more effectively than washing.

 Shower Within Two Hours

A shower helps:

• Wash away unattached ticks
• Provide time to check your entire body
• Reduce the risk of Lyme disease

Pay special attention to:

• Behind knees
• Waistline
• Underarms
• Scalp
• Behind ears

Mosquito Prevention: Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Eliminating water sources is the fastest way to reduce populations.

Check Weekly for Standing Water

Empty:

• Birdbaths
• Buckets
• Flowerpot saucers
• Kiddie pools
• Clogged gutters
• Tarps and covers

Even a bottle cap of water can produce dozens of mosquitoes.

Use Fans Outdoors

Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A simple box fan on your patio can dramatically reduce bites.

Choose the Right Repellent

For everyday use, many families love gentle, skin-friendly options like Avon Skin So Soft spray with Picaridin, available through Jeanne Martin’s Avon Rep Store.

For hiking, gardening, or heavy mosquito activity, stronger repellents like DEET or Picaridin may be more effective.

Products We Love

Here are our top recommended resources for staying protected all season long. Note, these are not affiliate links.

• REI’s Insect Repellent Comparison Guide – A trusted breakdown of DEET, Picaridin, Permethrin, and natural repellents.
• Mosquito Joe of Edison, NJ – Professional mosquito and tick control for Central Jersey homes.
• Avon’s Skin So Soft Plus Picardin (Jeanne Martin’s Online Store) – A gentle, family-friendly favorite for everyday mosquito protection.
• Mosquito Dunks – A super easy DIY way to trap the mosquito larvae from breeding in your own backyard
• Super Sticky Tape Roller – This is a great tool to keep in your gardening bag. We like this one at Target.