Warm temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for ticks, which is why spring and summer are peak seasons in most parts of the United States. When temperatures rise early in the year, ticks become active, thriving in wooded or grassy areas where they use vegetation to “quest” for and latch onto passing animals or people. During this time, both people and pets are at a higher risk of tick bites, as increased tick activity coincides with more outdoor activity.
Generally, tick activity peaks between March and September in most U.S. regions,but encounters with ticks- and the diseases they carry– can still occur outside of this period.
Why Cold Weather Doesn’t Mean Zero Risk
Many people assume ticks are only a warm-weather concern, but that’s not necessarily the case. In milder climates, the fall months (September through November) can still see significant tick activity. In many areas especially where deer ticks are common) , a second peak occurs before activity gradually declines as winter sets in.
It’s important to remember that cold weather doesn’t actually kill ticks. Lower temperatures and harsh winter conditions simply makes them less active and prompts them to shroud under leaf litter or snow. While ticks generally remain dormant until the weather warms again, on milder winter days without snow cover, it’s still possible to encounter an active tick.
Can Ticks Be Active Year-Round?
If conditions that trigger dormancy don’t occur, ticks can remain active throughout the year. This is most common in warmer regions with mild winters, such as parts of the southern United States.
The timing of tick dormancy is highly weather-dependent and varies from year to year. If temperatures don’t drop below freezing until later, or if warm spring weather arrives early, ticks may enter or exit dormancy sooner than usual.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks Year-Round
Preventing tick bites requires consistent care throughout most of the year. Anytime you enter a tick’s natural habitat — whether gardening, hiking, or walking your dog — it’s important to take precautions:
- Keep your lawn well-trimmed and remove leaf litter to make your yard less inviting to ticks.
- Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.
- If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, and clean the bite area thoroughly.
Worried About a Recent Tick Bite?
If you’ve removed a tick and want peace of mind, TickCheck offers fast and reliable tick testing services. Simply send the tick to our lab, and we’ll identify the species and test it for Lyme disease and other common pathogens. Knowing whether a tick was carrying disease can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about next steps.