Tick season expected to last through holiday season as temperatures drop

I've gotten bit before. I hate to say that. You just have to be careful. You have to really check yourself. Tick-borne diseases are becoming more common across Long Island and people are looking for ways to protect themselves. Do the best you can, but it's bad. You know, I love the outdoors and it's definitely changed my perspective on being out as much as I want to be. There's so many more ticks than there are us and they got to eat too. Unfortunately, we're the food source. The state health commissioner says tick season is starting earlier and lasting longer. The temperature may be dropping, but that doesn't mean the ticks are gone just yet. You're going to see ticks down here all the way through Thanksgiving and maybe even into early December down here. He recommends using insect repellent and wearing light colored clothing. And most importantly, when you get home, because I do want you outside, do an inspection of yourself. See if you've got a hitchhiker on there. Well, pets can be affected by tick bites too. This is my dog Finley, and he loves to be outside playing in the leaves. So I make sure to brush him and check him for ticks every time he comes indoors. I also spoke to a Long Island vet who has some tips for pet owners. Ticks love to hide in places that are dark and where there are skin crevices. So around the ears, around the face, under the armpits, under collars are a great place to look. Dr. Selmer says ticks don't die off until we have a hard ground freeze. So fall is a particularly dangerous time of year. Jenna Rae Gartner, News 12.