In which period are ticks especially dangerous? - briefly
The highest danger period is spring through early summer (approximately April‑June) when nymphal ticks are most active and likely to bite. A secondary risk peak occurs in late summer and autumn as adult ticks resume activity.
In which period are ticks especially dangerous? - in detail
Ticks pose the greatest health risk during late spring and early summer, when nymphal stages are most active. Adult ticks also surge in autumn, extending the danger period. The risk timeline can be broken down as follows:
- May‑June: Nymphs of Ixodes species seek hosts, are small enough to evade detection, and transmit pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis).
- July‑August: Nymph activity remains high in humid regions; tick‑borne encephalitis virus prevalence peaks in many European forests.
- September‑October: Adult females quest for blood meals, increasing the chance of transmitting Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp.
- Late October‑Early November: Adult activity declines as temperatures drop, but in milder climates ticks may remain active into December.
Additional factors influencing danger periods include:
- Temperature: Sustained daily averages above 7 °C (45 °F) enable questing behavior; prolonged warmth accelerates life‑cycle progression.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 80 % prevents desiccation, supporting longer questing periods.
- Geography: In northern latitudes the high‑risk window shortens to June‑July, while in southern or coastal areas it may extend from April through October.
Preventive measures should focus on these peak times: conduct thorough body checks after outdoor exposure, use EPA‑registered repellents, and manage vegetation to reduce tick habitat. Awareness of the seasonal dynamics and life‑stage activity is essential for minimizing tick‑borne disease incidence.