When do ticks go into dormancy? - briefly
Ticks enter diapause in late autumn as temperatures drop and remain dormant throughout winter, resuming activity in spring when warmth returns. This seasonal pause aligns with reduced host availability and lower metabolic rates.
When do ticks go into dormancy? - in detail
Ticks enter a dormant phase, known as diapause, primarily in response to seasonal environmental cues. The timing varies among species, but the general pattern follows predictable climatic changes.
In temperate regions, most tick species cease active host‑seeking in late autumn as temperatures drop below 10 °C and daylight hours shorten. During this period, larvae, nymphs, and adult females retreat to protected microhabitats such as leaf litter, rodent burrows, or the soil surface. The onset of dormancy typically occurs when:
- Daily maximum temperature falls under 12 °C for several consecutive days.
- Photoperiod shortens to fewer than 12 hours of daylight.
- Relative humidity remains high enough to prevent desiccation, often above 70 %.
Once these conditions are met, physiological changes—reduced metabolic rate, accumulation of cryoprotectants, and altered hormone levels—trigger the diapause state. The duration lasts through winter, with most ticks remaining inactive until spring temperatures consistently exceed 10 °C and daylight lengthens beyond 12 hours.
In subtropical and tropical zones, dormancy is less pronounced. Some species display a summer diapause triggered by extreme heat and low humidity, suspending activity during the hottest months. In these environments, the trigger thresholds shift to:
- Temperatures above 30 °C for prolonged periods.
- Relative humidity dropping below 50 %.
- Seasonal rain patterns that reduce host availability.
Overall, dormancy aligns with the period when environmental conditions are unfavorable for questing and feeding, ensuring survival until the next suitable season.