When do ticks live? - briefly
Ticks are active from early spring to late autumn, with peak activity in warm, humid conditions, while cooler temperatures trigger diapause and reduced activity. In colder regions they survive winter in a dormant state within leaf litter or soil.
When do ticks live? - in detail
Ticks are most active during the warm months of the year, typically from early spring through late autumn. Their activity peaks when temperatures consistently exceed 7 °C (45 °F) and humidity remains above 80 %. In cooler periods, activity declines sharply; ticks enter a dormant state called diapause, reducing metabolic processes until favorable conditions return.
The life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage, except the egg, requires a blood meal to progress. The duration of each stage varies with climate:
- Egg stage: lasts 2‑4 weeks; eggs hatch when soil temperature rises above 10 °C.
- Larval stage: lasts 1‑3 months; larvae seek small hosts such as rodents during late spring and early summer.
- Nymphal stage: lasts 2‑6 months; nymphs are most abundant in midsummer, feeding on larger mammals and occasionally humans.
- Adult stage: persists 1‑2 years; adults are most prevalent in autumn and early winter, attaching to larger hosts like deer and dogs.
Geographic location influences timing. In temperate regions, two distinct peaks occur: one in late spring for larvae and nymphs, another in autumn for adults. In subtropical or milder climates, activity may extend year‑round, with reduced intensity during the coldest months.
Environmental factors governing activity include:
- Temperature: below 7 °C, ticks become inactive; optimal activity between 10‑30 °C.
- Relative humidity: below 50 %, desiccation risk rises, leading to reduced questing behavior.
- Photoperiod: shortening daylight triggers diapause in many species, especially Ixodes ricinus.
Understanding these patterns helps predict periods of heightened risk for tick‑borne diseases and informs timing for preventive measures such as acaricide application and personal protective clothing.