Georgia’s mild, humid climate means ticks remain a concern year-round. Unlike northern regions, the state does not experience a distinct “off-season.” Tick season refers to the period of significantly heightened activity and the highest risk of human encounters. This peak risk coincides with the warmer months when people spend more time outdoors and ticks actively search for hosts.
General Timing of Tick Activity in Georgia
The broad window for mass tick activity spans from early spring through late fall, generally March or April until the first hard frost. Ticks are ectotherms, meaning their activity levels are regulated by external environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. As temperatures consistently rise above freezing, ticks emerge from dormancy and begin questing.
Activity often picks up noticeably around Easter. The greatest concentration of risk occurs during the hot, humid summer months, typically June through August. Even during the winter, ticks can be active on mild days, particularly if the temperature climbs into the upper 40s or 50s, which happens frequently in the Deep South.
Key Tick Species and Their Peak Activity Periods
The tick species posing a risk to humans in Georgia have distinct life cycles and peak activity times, ensuring risk persists across multiple seasons.
The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the most commonly encountered tick and is an aggressive biter. Its peak season begins early, often in April, and continues through August. This species transmits Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) and is associated with Alpha-Gal syndrome, which causes a severe allergic reaction to red meat.
The American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is generally most active from spring through summer, peaking in May and June. This tick is the vector for the bacteria causing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), the most frequently reported tick-borne disease in the state.
The Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the Deer tick, is present but less common than the other two species. While its immature stages are active in the summer, adult Blacklegged ticks are notably active during the cooler months of the fall. This species is the concern for the transmission of Lyme disease, although cases are less frequently reported in Georgia compared to other states.
Tick Prevention Strategies
Reducing the chance of a tick bite requires a layered approach focusing on personal protection and environmental management. When spending time outdoors in wooded, brushy, or tall grass areas, wear long pants tucked into socks and a shirt tucked into pants. This creates a physical barrier to prevent ticks from crawling onto the skin. Light-colored clothing is also recommended, as it makes spotting a dark tick easier.
Chemical repellents provide an additional line of defense. Applying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered repellent containing DEET or Picaridin to exposed skin can deter ticks. Treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin is highly effective, as this insecticide kills ticks on contact and remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should never be applied directly to the skin.
After returning indoors, perform a thorough, full-body check to locate any attached or crawling ticks. Ticks prefer warm, moist areas, so pay special attention to the scalp, armpits, behind the knees, and groin area. Maintaining a yard by keeping grass mowed and clearing away leaf litter or brush piles can also reduce the local tick population around a home.