When does the tick peak occur? - briefly
«Peak tick activity» generally occurs in late spring to early summer, most often between May and June in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Climate variations can move the maximum into July in certain areas.
When does the tick peak occur? - in detail
The period of greatest tick activity typically coincides with late spring and early summer, when temperatures rise above 10 °C and humidity remains high. During this window, questing behavior intensifies, leading to a noticeable increase in host contacts.
Key environmental drivers:
- Ambient temperature between 12 °C and 25 °C accelerates metabolism and mobility.
- Relative humidity above 70 % prevents desiccation, allowing prolonged questing.
- Day length extending beyond 12 hours stimulates seasonal hormonal cycles in nymphs and adults.
Life‑stage timing influences the peak:
- Nymphs emerge from the soil in May, accounting for the bulk of human‑bite incidents.
- Adult females become active in June, focusing on reproduction and increasing overall numbers.
Geographic variation adjusts the timing:
- In temperate zones, the peak occurs from mid‑May to early July.
- In milder climates, activity may start in April and extend into September.
- In high‑altitude or northern regions, the window shifts later, often into July–August.
Additional factors:
- Host availability rises as wildlife breeding seasons commence, providing abundant blood meals.
- Microhabitat conditions, such as leaf litter depth and ground vegetation, create microclimates that sustain tick populations even when broader weather patterns fluctuate.
Understanding these parameters enables targeted prevention measures during the season of maximum tick presence.