During which season are ticks most active?

Understanding Tick Activity

The Life Cycle of Ticks

Egg Stage

The egg stage represents the initial phase of a tick’s life cycle, occurring after adult females detach from the host to lay thousands of eggs in protected microhabitats. Egg development depends on ambient temperature and humidity; optimal conditions are found in warm, moist environments typical of late summer and early autumn. Consequently, most eggs are deposited during this period, allowing them to overwinter in a dormant state and hatch when temperatures rise in spring, coinciding with the period of greatest tick activity.

Key characteristics of the egg stage:

Incubation length varies from 2 weeks to several months, governed primarily by temperature; warmer conditions accelerate embryogenesis.
Humidity levels above 70 % prevent desiccation, ensuring higher hatch rates.
Eggs are laid in clusters within leaf litter, soil, or rodent nests, providing insulation against climatic fluctuations.
Hatchlings emerge in early spring, aligning with the season when host-seeking behavior peaks.

Understanding the timing of egg deposition and development clarifies why tick populations surge in the season of highest activity, as the synchronized emergence of larvae amplifies host exposure.

Larval Stage

The larval stage of ticks emerges from eggs in the spring, coinciding with rising temperatures and increased humidity. This period provides optimal conditions for host‑seeking behavior, as small mammals become more active and vegetation offers shelter.

Spring: peak emergence of larvae; abundant hosts and favorable microclimate support rapid feeding.
Early summer: continued larval activity; temperature remains suitable, but humidity may begin to decline in some regions.
Late summer to autumn: larval numbers decrease; harsher conditions and reduced host availability limit activity.
Winter: larval activity minimal; low temperatures and desiccation risk suppress questing behavior.

Understanding larval dynamics clarifies why the first half of the year represents the season of greatest tick activity overall.

Nymphal Stage

The nymphal stage follows the larval phase and precedes adulthood. Nymphs emerge in late spring and reach peak activity in early to mid‑summer, coinciding with the period when tick activity is highest. Their small size makes detection difficult, increasing the likelihood of host attachment.

During the peak season, temperature between 10 °C and 25 °C and moderate humidity create optimal conditions for nymphs to quest for hosts. Activity declines sharply as temperatures fall below 5 °C or rise above 30 °C, and as relative humidity drops beneath 70 %.

Key characteristics of the nymphal stage:

Duration: approximately 2–3 months, depending on climate.
Host seeking: primarily small mammals and birds; occasional human encounters.
Disease transmission: most efficient vector for Borrelia burgdorferi and other pathogens.
Detection: less than 2 mm in length, often unnoticed on skin.

«Nymphs are the primary vectors of Lyme disease», reflecting their epidemiological significance during the season of greatest tick activity.

Adult Stage

Adult ticks represent the final developmental phase after larval and nymphal stages. At this point, the organism has reached full size, possesses mature reproductive organs, and can transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts during feeding.

Seasonal activity of adult ticks concentrates in the warmer months when temperature and humidity create optimal conditions for questing behavior. Peak activity typically occurs from late spring through early summer, extending into midsummer in temperate regions.

Key periods of heightened adult activity:

May – June: emergence of newly molted adults, intense host-seeking.
July – August: sustained activity, especially in areas with dense vegetation.
September (in milder climates): lingering activity before decline in autumn.

Environmental factors such as day length, ambient temperature above 10 °C, and relative humidity above 70 % drive this seasonal pattern. Consequently, public health advisories focus on tick avoidance measures during these months to reduce exposure risk.

Environmental Factors Influencing Ticks

Temperature

Ticks become active when ambient temperature reaches the threshold that supports their metabolism and questing behavior. Laboratory and field observations show that activity begins near 7 °C and accelerates sharply between 10 °C and 20 °C. Temperatures above 30 °C suppress activity because dehydration risk rises and host‑seeking efficiency declines.

7 °C – 10 °C: minimal questing, limited host contact.
10 °C – 20 °C: peak questing, highest host encounter rates.
20 °C – 30 °C: sustained activity, gradual decline toward upper limit.
30 °C: activity markedly reduced, ticks retreat to microhabitats.

Seasonal temperature patterns align this optimal window with late spring and early summer in temperate regions. During these months, daily mean temperatures consistently fall within the 10 °C–20 °C band, creating conditions for maximal tick activity. Consequently, the risk of tick bites peaks when the climate provides sustained warmth without exceeding the upper thermal limit.

Humidity

Ticks are most active when ambient temperature supports metabolism and relative humidity remains above the threshold required for questing behavior. Relative humidity of approximately 80 % or higher prevents desiccation, allowing ticks to remain on vegetation and seek hosts. When humidity falls below 70 %, questing activity declines sharply because ticks retreat to the leaf litter to avoid water loss.

Seasonal patterns reflect regional humidity cycles. In temperate zones, spring and early summer provide both warm temperatures and elevated moisture from precipitation and rising ground humidity, creating optimal conditions for tick activity. Summer droughts reduce humidity, shortening the period of peak activity, while autumn rains can extend activity into later months if temperatures stay above the developmental minimum. Winter humidity often remains high in leaf litter, but low temperatures suppress metabolic processes, limiting activity despite adequate moisture.

Key points:

Questing requires relative humidity ≥ 80 %.
Activity peaks when temperature and humidity align, typically in spring‑early summer.
Drought periods reduce questing despite favorable temperatures.
Autumn rainfall can prolong activity if temperatures remain suitable.
Winter humidity sustains tick survival but does not drive active host seeking.

Vegetation

Ticks reach peak activity in spring and early summer, when vegetation undergoes rapid growth and moisture levels rise. Dense understory, abundant leaf litter, and tall grasses create the microclimate required for tick development and questing behavior.

Key vegetation features that enhance tick activity:

Thick ground cover that retains humidity
Leaf litter layers providing shelter and temperature moderation
Grassy areas with heights of 5–15 cm, facilitating host movement
Shrub thickets offering shade and stable micro‑environments

Managing vegetation reduces tick exposure. Regular mowing of grass, removal of excess leaf litter, and thinning of understory limit the habitats that support tick survival, thereby lowering the risk of encounters during the most active season.

Peak Seasons for Tick Activity

Spring: The Awakening

Nymphal Ticks Emerge

Nymphal ticks emerge as the most mobile stage of the ixodid life cycle, typically coinciding with the period of greatest seasonal activity. Warmer temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C accelerate development, while sufficient humidity prevents desiccation. Consequently, the peak emergence occurs in late spring and early summer, when daytime temperatures regularly exceed the lower threshold and ground moisture remains high.

Key factors influencing nymphal emergence:

Soil and leaf‑litter temperatures reaching 15 °C–20 °C.
Relative humidity above 80 % in the microhabitat.
Day length extending beyond 12 hours, stimulating metabolic processes.
Availability of small vertebrate hosts such as rodents, which are most abundant during the same period.

During this window, nymphs actively quest on vegetation, climbing blades of grass and low shrubs to attach passing hosts. Their small size, often less than 2 mm, increases the likelihood of unnoticed attachment, raising the risk of pathogen transmission. After feeding, nymphs detach, molt into adults, and the cycle repeats in the following year.

Monitoring programs consistently record the highest density of nymphal ticks in May and June in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Control measures—such as habitat management, targeted acaricide applications, and public awareness campaigns—are most effective when implemented before or at the onset of this seasonal peak. «Early intervention reduces the probability of human‑tick encounters and limits disease spread».

Increased Outdoor Activity in Humans and Animals

The rise in outdoor pursuits by people and wildlife coincides with the period when ticks reach peak activity. Warmer temperatures, heightened humidity, and abundant vegetation during this interval create optimal conditions for tick development and host‑seeking behavior. Consequently, increased exposure to habitats such as forests, grasslands, and suburban green spaces elevates the likelihood of tick encounters.

Key factors linking human and animal outdoor activity to tick risk:

Extended daylight hours encourage longer foraging and recreational periods.
Seasonal migration of wildlife concentrates hosts in limited feeding grounds.
Recreational events and agricultural work concentrate groups in tick‑infested zones.

Mitigation strategies focus on timing and behavior rather than seasonal avoidance alone. Recommendations include:

Applying approved acaricides to pets before the high‑activity window.
Conducting thorough body checks after outdoor excursions.
Wearing protective clothing that limits skin exposure during peak tick periods.

Understanding the interplay between heightened outdoor movement and the seasonal surge in tick activity enables targeted preventive measures, reducing disease transmission risk for both humans and animals.

Summer: Continued Threat

Adult Ticks Proliferate

Adult ticks reach reproductive maturity in the warm months, leading to a sharp increase in population density. Peak activity occurs from late‑spring through early‑summer, when ambient temperatures consistently exceed 10 °C and relative humidity remains above 70 %. These conditions accelerate blood‑feeding cycles, enable mating, and support egg‑laying, thereby driving the proliferation of adult specimens.

Key environmental drivers of adult tick proliferation:

Temperature ≥ 10 °C sustained for several weeks
Relative humidity ≥ 70 %
Abundant hosts such as rodents, deer, and domestic animals
Vegetation providing microclimate stability

Field observations confirm that adult tick counts rise dramatically during this seasonal window, with some regions reporting a three‑fold increase compared with autumn levels. The synchronization of mating and oviposition with optimal climatic parameters ensures maximal offspring survival, reinforcing the seasonal surge in adult tick numbers.

Heightened Risk in Warm Climates

Ticks reach peak activity when ambient temperatures rise and daylight lengthens, typically in the spring and early summer months. In regions where warmth persists longer, the period of heightened activity extends further into the summer, increasing the probability of human and animal exposure.

Key factors that amplify risk in warm climates:

Temperatures consistently above 7 °C (45 °F) accelerate tick development and questing behavior.
Relative humidity above 80 % sustains tick survival during prolonged activity periods.
Abundant host populations, such as deer and small mammals, provide continuous blood meals, supporting larger tick densities.
Extended warm seasons delay the onset of diapause, allowing multiple generations to emerge within a single year.

Consequently, areas with milder winters and longer warm periods experience a broader window of tick activity, necessitating heightened vigilance and preventive measures throughout the extended season.

Autumn: A Secondary Peak

Larval Ticks Search for Hosts

Larval ticks emerge from eggs in the spring, initiating an intensive quest for blood meals. The search begins when environmental temperatures consistently exceed 10 °C and relative humidity remains above 70 %. Under these conditions, larvae become mobile, climbing vegetation to attach to passing vertebrates.

Peak host‑seeking activity occurs during late spring and early summer in temperate regions. Warmer days accelerate metabolic processes, while abundant foliage provides elevated pathways for contact with small mammals, birds, and reptiles. This seasonal window aligns with the highest density of suitable hosts, facilitating rapid progression to the nymphal stage.

Key factors influencing larval host search:

Temperature: sustained warmth triggers questing behavior.
Humidity: moisture prevents desiccation, preserving mobility.
Host density: greater numbers of small mammals increase encounter rates.

Understanding the temporal pattern of larval activity enables targeted control measures. Applying acaricides to low vegetation before the onset of the spring surge reduces the likelihood of larvae attaching to hosts. Regular inspection of pets and livestock during the identified peak period further limits tick transmission risk.

Late-Season Adult Activity

Late‑season adult ticks concentrate activity in the late summer and early autumn months. Temperatures remain warm enough to sustain questing behavior, while humidity levels typically stay above the threshold required for desiccation avoidance. Adult females, which have completed nymphal feeding, emerge to seek vertebrate hosts for blood meals and reproduction. This period coincides with increased movement of mammals such as deer and small rodents, providing abundant feeding opportunities.

Key factors influencing late‑season adult activity:

Daytime temperatures between 15 °C and 25 °C support sustained host‑seeking.
Relative humidity above 70 % reduces water loss from the exoskeleton.
Host density peaks as many species prepare for winter, enhancing encounter rates.
Photoperiod shortening triggers physiological changes that prioritize reproduction before winter dormancy.

Consequently, the highest likelihood of encountering adult ticks occurs from August through October, varying slightly by geographic region and species‑specific climate tolerance. Monitoring efforts and public‑health advisories should focus on this interval to reduce tick‑borne disease risk.

Winter: Reduced, Not Absent Activity

Overwintering Strategies

Ticks reach peak questing activity in the warm months because winter imposes physiological constraints that must be overcome. Survival through the cold period depends on a set of overwintering mechanisms that preserve viability until favorable conditions return.

Key overwintering strategies include:

Diapause induction – metabolic rate drops, development arrests, and activity ceases until temperature and photoperiod exceed specific thresholds.
Cryoprotectant synthesis – accumulation of glycerol, sorbitol, and antifreeze proteins lowers the freezing point of body fluids, preventing ice crystal formation.
Microhabitat selection – placement in leaf litter, soil crevices, or rodent nests provides thermal insulation and stable humidity, reducing desiccation risk.
Host‑borne overwintering – attachment to hibernating mammals or birds allows ticks to remain sheltered within a warm environment, bypassing external climatic extremes.
Cuticular modifications – increased lipid content in the exoskeleton reduces water loss and enhances resistance to low‑temperature stress.

These adaptations delay emergence until temperatures rise, aligning questing behavior with spring and summer. Consequently, the seasonal surge in tick activity directly reflects the successful completion of overwintering processes.

Tick Survival in Milder Winters

Milder winter conditions increase tick survival rates, directly affecting the period of highest activity. Reduced cold stress allows more individuals to complete diapause and resume host‑seeking behavior earlier in the year.

Physiological tolerance to low temperatures expands when ambient winter temperatures remain above the lethal threshold of approximately 5 °C. Sufficient leaf litter and snow cover preserve humidity, preventing desiccation and supporting metabolic maintenance throughout the cold months.

Earlier emergence from overwintering sites shifts the peak activity window forward, often extending the season of host contact from late spring into early summer. The prolonged active period results in higher cumulative bite risk and greater pathogen transmission potential.

Key factors influencing winter survival:

Average nightly temperature above the lethal limit
Consistent ground moisture levels maintained by snow insulation
Availability of protected microhabitats such as leaf litter and rodent burrows

Public‑health strategies must account for the extended activity period by lengthening surveillance intervals, adjusting tick‑removal campaigns, and promoting preventive measures throughout the entire warm season.

Geographical Variations in Tick Seasons

Regional Differences in Climate

Ticks reach peak activity in the warmest months, but the exact season varies with regional climate patterns. In temperate zones with distinct spring and summer, activity typically escalates in late spring and peaks in early summer. In subtropical or Mediterranean regions, milder winters allow ticks to remain active year‑round, with a secondary surge during the hottest summer months. In northern latitudes where summers are short, the window of high activity may be confined to a brief mid‑summer period. In arid areas, seasonal rains trigger vegetation growth, creating favorable microhabitats that elevate tick activity during the post‑rainfall season.

Key climatic factors influencing seasonal activity:

Temperature thresholds that permit tick development and questing behavior.
Relative humidity levels sustaining tick hydration.
Seasonal precipitation patterns affecting vegetation density and host availability.
Day length influencing host activity cycles.

«Ticks are most active when temperature exceeds 10 °C and humidity remains above 80 %», a guideline used by public‑health agencies. Understanding regional climate differences allows accurate prediction of periods with heightened tick‑borne disease risk and informs targeted prevention measures.

Impact on Tick Species Distribution

Ticks reach peak activity in the warm months, typically late spring through summer. Elevated temperatures accelerate metabolic processes, increase questing behavior, and expand the geographic range of species adapted to higher thermal thresholds. Consequently, regions previously unsuitable due to cooler climates experience colonization by heat‑tolerant ticks, while cold‑adapted species retreat to higher latitudes or elevations.

Impact on tick species distribution includes:

Expansion of temperate‑adapted species into northern territories as growing seasons lengthen.
Contraction of cold‑adapted species’ habitats, leading to reduced prevalence in traditional ranges.
Overlap of multiple species in transitional zones, raising the likelihood of co‑infection in hosts.
Shifts in host‑seeking patterns, with increased questing at higher elevations where temperatures become suitable.

These dynamics alter disease risk maps, necessitate updates to surveillance programs, and influence management strategies aimed at reducing human and animal exposure.

Localized Peak Periods

Localized peak periods refer to short intervals within the broader active season when tick activity reaches its highest intensity. These intervals can last from a few days to several weeks and often correspond to optimal environmental conditions.

Factors that drive such peaks include ambient temperature consistently above 10 °C, relative humidity near 80 %, and the presence of active host animals. Rapid rises in temperature after a cool spell, combined with sustained moisture, trigger synchronized questing behavior among adult and nymph stages.

Typical examples:

Temperate zones of the northeastern United States: peak activity often occurs in late May – early June, when daytime temperatures exceed 20 °C for several consecutive days.
Central European woodlands: localized peaks frequently appear in mid‑April following a warm front that raises soil temperature above 12 °C.
Subtropical regions of the southeastern United States: a sharp increase in activity can be observed in early October, after summer humidity declines but remains above 70 %.

Understanding these short‑term surges assists in timing preventive measures such as acaricide application, public awareness campaigns, and personal protective practices. Aligning interventions with «localized peak periods» maximizes efficacy and reduces the risk of tick‑borne disease transmission.

Protecting Against Tick Bites

Personal Prevention Strategies

Appropriate Clothing

Ticks reach peak activity in the spring‑to‑early‑summer period. During this time, clothing choices directly influence exposure risk.

Wear long‑sleeved shirts and long trousers made of tightly woven fabric.
Tuck shirts inside pants and secure pant legs with elastic cuffs or clip‑on gaiters.
Choose light‑colored garments to facilitate visual detection of attached ticks.
Apply permethrin‑based treatment to outerwear and footwear; reapply according to product guidelines.
Select closed, low‑profile shoes; avoid sandals that leave feet uncovered.

After outdoor activities, remove clothing away from the body, shake out each item, and perform a thorough tick inspection before entering indoor spaces. Regular laundering at high temperatures eliminates any dislodged specimens.

Tick Repellents

Ticks reach peak activity in the warm months of spring and early summer. During this period, exposure risk rises sharply, making the use of effective repellents essential for preventing bites and disease transmission.

Effective tick repellents fall into two primary categories:

Synthetic chemicals such as DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑m‑toluamide) and picaridin, which provide reliable protection when applied to exposed skin at concentrations of 20 %–30 %.
Contact insecticides containing permethrin, applied to clothing, gear, and pets. Permethrin remains active after multiple washes and creates a barrier that kills ticks on contact.

Application guidelines:

Apply skin repellents 30 minutes before entering tick‑infested areas and reapply every 6–8 hours, or after swimming or heavy sweating.
Treat clothing with permethrin according to manufacturer instructions; allow the product to dry completely before wearing.
Use only formulations approved for the intended age group; children under two years should not receive DEET concentrations above 10 %.

Safety considerations:

Avoid inhalation and ingestion of repellent products.
Store repellents out of reach of children and pets.
For individuals with sensitive skin, select fragrance‑free options or consider oil‑based repellents containing citronella, eucalyptus, or geraniol, recognizing that efficacy may be lower than synthetic agents.

Environmental impact:

Permethrin‑treated clothing reduces the need for repeated skin applications, decreasing chemical exposure to the environment.
Choose biodegradable formulations when available to limit ecological residues.

Consistent use of appropriate repellents throughout the high‑activity season significantly lowers the likelihood of tick attachment and associated health risks.

Post-Exposure Checks

Ticks reach peak activity in the warm months, typically late spring through summer. During this period, the probability of encountering an attached tick rises sharply, making post‑exposure examinations a critical preventive measure.

Immediate inspection after outdoor activity reduces the risk of prolonged attachment. The first check should occur within minutes of returning indoors, followed by additional examinations at 24 hours and again at 48–72 hours. Repeated surveys compensate for ticks that may have migrated or become obscured by hair.

Key actions during each examination:

Conduct a thorough visual sweep of the entire body, paying special attention to concealed areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and between the thighs.
Use a hand‑held mirror or enlist assistance to view hard‑to‑reach regions.
Identify any small, dark, or engorged organisms resembling a seed or speck; early detection often distinguishes a tick from a skin blemish.
Remove confirmed ticks promptly with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible, and pulling straight upward without crushing the body.
Preserve the specimen in a sealed container for potential laboratory analysis if symptoms develop.

After removal, monitor the bite site for erythema, swelling, or a central dark spot, and observe the individual for fever, fatigue, or joint pain over the ensuing weeks. Prompt medical consultation is warranted if any systemic signs appear, as early treatment improves outcomes for tick‑borne diseases.

Protecting Pets

Veterinary Treatments

Ticks reach highest activity in the spring and early summer months, when temperature and humidity create optimal conditions for host‑seeking behavior. Veterinary interventions concentrate on preventing infestation, eliminating attached ticks, and mitigating disease transmission during this period.

Effective veterinary treatments include:

Topical acaricide formulations applied to the skin or coat; products contain synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates, or isoxazolines and provide protection for 2–8 weeks.
Oral systemic acaricides administered as chewable tablets or capsules; isoxazoline‑based compounds act rapidly and maintain efficacy for up to 30 days.
Tick‑preventive collars impregnated with amitraz or flumethrin; release active ingredient continuously for several months.
Injectable long‑acting formulations; provide multi‑month coverage when administered subcutaneously.
Vaccines targeting specific tick‑borne pathogens; administered according to manufacturer schedule to reduce infection risk.

Timing of administration should precede the onset of peak tick activity by at least one week, ensuring protective drug levels are established before exposure intensifies. Repeat dosing follows product‑specific intervals, typically every 4–8 weeks, to maintain continuous coverage throughout the high‑risk season. Environmental measures—regular habitat mowing, removal of leaf litter, and treatment of resting areas—complement pharmacologic strategies and reduce overall tick burden.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are essential for managing tick exposure during the period of peak activity.

Inspection schedules should align with the seasonal rise in tick populations, typically observed in late spring and early summer. Conducting systematic checks of clothing, skin, and outdoor equipment reduces the likelihood of unnoticed attachment.

Key components of a thorough inspection routine:

Examine all exposed skin areas, focusing on folds, behind the ears, and under the arms.
Inspect clothing, especially socks, shoes, and pant legs, before removal.
Check pets and livestock, as they can transport ticks into the home environment.
Survey vegetation and ground cover around residences, removing tall grasses and leaf litter.
Document findings, noting the date, location, and any identified tick stages.

Implementing these steps each week throughout the high‑activity season enhances early detection and facilitates prompt removal, thereby lowering the risk of tick‑borne diseases.

Landscape Management

Yard Maintenance

Ticks reach peak activity in the warm months, generally from late spring through early fall. During this period the risk of tick encounters in residential yards rises sharply, making targeted maintenance crucial for reducing exposure.

Effective yard maintenance includes the following actions:

Mow grass to a height of 2–3 inches on a weekly basis; short grass limits the humid microclimate ticks prefer.
Remove leaf litter, pine needles, and other organic debris that accumulate in low‑lying areas.
Trim back shrubs, tall weeds, and overgrown vegetation to create an open, sunlit environment.
Clear brush piles and wood debris, especially near fence lines and garden borders.
Maintain a clean perimeter by placing a 3‑foot strip of mulch or gravel between wooded edges and lawn space; this barrier discourages tick migration.

Additional measures reinforce habitat reduction:

Apply acaricide treatments to the yard’s edge zones following label instructions; focus on shaded, humid spots where ticks shelter.
Establish dry, well‑drained soil conditions by improving drainage and avoiding standing water.
Inspect pets regularly and use veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives to prevent animals from transporting ticks into the yard.
Conduct periodic tick checks after outdoor activities, especially during the identified peak season.

Creating Tick-Unfriendly Zones

Ticks reach peak activity in late spring and early summer, when temperature and humidity create optimal conditions for host‑seeking behavior. Reducing human exposure during this period requires establishing environments that discourage tick survival and questing.

Effective tick‑unfriendly zones combine habitat alteration, chemical barriers, and host management. Habitat alteration removes the microclimates that support tick development; chemical barriers create a protective perimeter; host management limits the number of reservoir animals that transport ticks into the area.

Key actions include:

Trimming grass to a height of 2–3 cm, eliminating low‑lying vegetation where ticks wait for hosts.
Removing leaf litter, brush piles, and tall shrubs that retain moisture and provide shelter.
Applying acaricide-treated perimeter bands, spaced no more than 10 m apart, to create a toxic boundary.
Installing fencing to restrict access by deer and other large mammals.
Introducing tick‑repellent plants such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme, which emit volatile compounds that deter questing ticks.
Conducting regular wildlife monitoring and, where permitted, employing targeted baited traps to reduce tick‑carrying hosts.

Maintenance schedules should align with the seasonal activity peak. Mowing and debris removal performed weekly from April through July, coupled with re‑application of acaricide barriers every 14 days, sustain an environment hostile to ticks throughout the most active months.