Many people associate ticks with summer, believing that cooler autumn temperatures eliminate the threat of these arachnids. However, this assumption leaves individuals vulnerable to tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. Ticks remain active well into the fall, and understanding their behavior during this season is important for prevention.
Autumn Tick Behavior
Blacklegged ticks remain active in the fall due to their life cycle and environmental conditions. Adult blacklegged ticks are prevalent and active from October through May, as long as temperatures stay above freezing. These adult ticks seek a final blood meal before winter, necessary for females to lay eggs and continue their life cycle. This drive for reproduction makes them eager to find hosts, including humans and pets, during the cooler months.
Cooler, moist conditions are conducive for tick survival and activity. While their activity slows when temperatures drop below freezing, a temporary rise in temperature can reactivate them. The blacklegged tick’s two-year life cycle means that nymphs, which emerge in spring, molt into adults in the fall, leading to increased adult tick populations.
Common Autumn Habitats
Ticks remain in specific environments that offer shelter and host access during autumn. Leaf litter provides a favorable, humid microenvironment, helping ticks retain moisture and survive as temperatures drop. Wooded areas, tall grasses, and brushy edges serve as common habitats where ticks wait on low-lying vegetation to attach to passing hosts.
Even suburban yards can harbor ticks, especially in unmaintained areas. Raking leaves and clearing overgrown vegetation can reduce these prime habitats around homes. Ticks also tend to quest at knee-high levels on shrubs or on the ground, making direct contact possible during outdoor activities.
Protecting Against Fall Ticks
Protecting against ticks in the fall requires vigilance and preventive measures. When spending time outdoors, wearing appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, minimizes exposed skin. Tucking pants into socks or boots creates a barrier that prevents ticks from easily reaching the skin. Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach.
Using EPA-approved insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing is an important step. Repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or permethrin are effective against ticks. Permethrin is designed for application to clothing and gear, repelling or killing ticks upon contact. After returning indoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets, focusing on areas like behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waist. Prompt removal of any attached ticks, using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, minimizes potential risks.