When should tick control plates be placed in autumn? - briefly
Place them in early autumn, when daytime temperatures fall to around 15 °C but before leaf litter fully covers the ground, usually late September to early October. This timing ensures maximum contact before ticks enter diapause.
When should tick control plates be placed in autumn? - in detail
Tick control plates must be set out before the peak of autumn tick activity. The optimal period begins when daytime temperatures consistently stay above 10 °C (50 °F) but start to decline toward the seasonal low. This window usually falls in late August to early September in temperate zones.
Key factors determining the exact timing:
- Temperature: Place plates when average daily highs are 15–20 °C and lows remain above 5 °C. Below these thresholds, tick questing drops sharply.
- Photoperiod: Shortening daylight of 10–12 hours signals the start of the autumn questing phase for nymphs and adults.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 70 % supports tick movement; dry periods reduce effectiveness of the plates.
Practical steps for deployment:
- Monitor local weather forecasts for the temperature range described above.
- Conduct a brief field sweep to confirm tick presence; a few active individuals indicate the correct moment.
- Install plates at ground level in shaded, moist microhabitats—leaf litter edges, low vegetation, and animal paths.
- Space plates 10–15 m apart in high‑risk areas; increase density to 5 m in heavily infested zones.
Maintenance guidelines:
- Inspect plates every 7 days for captured ticks; replace adhesive strips as needed.
- Remove plates once daily temperatures fall below 5 °C for three consecutive days, indicating cessation of questing.
- Store plates in a cool, dry place until the following season.
By aligning placement with these climatic cues, the control plates intercept the majority of questing ticks before they seek hosts, maximizing reduction of tick‑borne disease risk during the autumn months.