Blacklegged tick activity peaks again during fall months

Tick activity does not cease with the arrival of cooler weather. While many associate ticks primarily with summer, adult blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks) become active again in the fall, creating a second seasonal peak in activity.

This resurgence is driven by the tick's life cycle. After nymphs are active during warmer months, they molt into adults in the fall. These adults seek blood meals to survive the winter, making them aggressive feeders. In regions such as the Northeast and Upper Midwest of the United States, adult activity can peak in October and continue through November until sustained freezing temperatures occur.

Health experts note that this period poses a significant risk for Lyme disease transmission. The combination of active adult ticks and decreased vigilance from pet owners and humans—who may feel safer outdoors during autumn activities like hiking or raking leaves—contributes to higher infection rates. Blacklegged ticks remain active at temperatures above freezing, and instances of ticks being found on pets have been reported as late as January on warmer days.