Fall Flea & Tick Season in Boston: What Pet Owners Need to Know to Keep Pets Protected

As the crisp air rolls into Boston and the leaves begin to turn, many pet owners breathe a sigh of relief thinking the end of flea and tick season is near. But don’t let cooler temperatures fool you — fall is still prime time for fleas and ticks in New England, and your pet could still be at risk well into October (and sometimes beyond).

Below is everything you need to know to protect your furry companions during Boston’s extended parasite season.

Why Fall Is Still Dangerous for Fleas and Ticks in Boston

While many associate fleas and ticks with the heat of summer, these pests remain active in temperatures as low as 40°F — and Boston’s fall months often stay well above that threshold.

Here’s why fall in Greater Boston is a hotspot for lingering parasite problems:

• Leaf litter and brush piles create damp, shady environments where ticks thrive.
• Urban green spaces like the Arnold Arboretum, the Esplanade, and Fresh Pond Reservoir remain high-risk areas through October.
• Rodents — more active as they seek shelter for winter — are common flea carriers and frequent Boston neighborhoods.

Flea and Tick Risks to Boston Pets

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance. They can carry serious health risks for both pets and people, especially in wooded and suburban areas just outside Boston proper (think Newton, Brookline, and Milton).

Common diseases found in Massachusetts include:

• Lyme Disease – transmitted by deer ticks (common in Boston-area parks and hiking trails)
• Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis – other tick-borne illnesses
• Tapeworms – often contracted when pets ingest fleas
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis – a common cause of severe itching

Signs Your Pet Might Have Fleas or Ticks

For fleas:

• Scratching, chewing, or licking, especially around the tail base
• Visible black specks (“flea dirt”) in fur
• Hair loss or irritated skin

For ticks:

• Small lumps on skin (especially around ears, neck, and toes)
• Lethargy or stiffness (if infected with a tick-borne disease)
• Fever or loss of appetite

Don’t rely on visual checks alone. Ticks are small and often go unnoticed, especially on long-haired pets.

How to Protect Your Pet in the Fall

✔️ Continue year-round flea & tick preventives. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s safe to stop. Ask your vet about monthly topical or oral treatments that protect well into winter.

✔️ Inspect your pet daily, especially after walks in wooded areas or public parks like Franklin Park, Boston Common, or the Charles Riverwalk.

✔️ Keep your yard clean. Rake leaves, trim tall grasses, and discourage rodents to reduce flea and tick habitats.

✔️ Avoid high-risk areas after rain or during dusk/dawn hours, when ticks are most active.

✔️ Check yourself, too! Ticks can hitch a ride indoors on your clothing and transfer to pets later.

Local Resources for Boston Pet Owners

• Boston Animal Control offers seasonal tick prevention tips on their city website.
• Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health provides tick disease tracking and Lyme awareness data.
• Neighborhood vet clinics (like ours!) carry trusted preventives and can advise on the best option based on your pet’s health and lifestyle.

Final Word: Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet

Flea and tick season in Boston doesn’t end with Labor Day. In fact, October can be one of the most overlooked months for parasite protection — and that’s when problems often sneak in. A few proactive steps now can save your pet from discomfort and your home from a full-blown infestation.

Need help choosing the right prevention product?

Book an appointment with one of our veterinarians or call us to schedule a parasite check before the first frost.