What month are ticks the worst?

Ticks are worst during spring and summer months, particularly from May to July, when nymphs are most active and questing for hosts, and this period corresponds to peak Lyme disease transmission, though adult ticks are active in early spring and fall as well. Blacklegged ticks, which carry Lyme disease, have two peaks, nymphs are most active from May to July, with June often being worst month for nymph activity, as nymphs are tiny poppy seed size and hard to detect, making them responsible for most Lyme disease cases, and adults are active in March to May and again in October to November. In many regions, May and June are worst months for tick encounters, as warm, humid weather of 70 to 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity favors tick survival and questing, and people spend more time outdoors in tall grass and wooded areas. In southern states, tick season can be longer, from March to September, with Lone Star ticks active in summer. In general, ticks are worst from April to September, with peak in May to July for nymphs and early fall for adults. Winter months have least activity, though some tick species can be active on warm winter days above freezing. To avoid worst months, use repellents with DEET or permethrin treated clothing, perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, shower within two hours, wash and dry clothes on high heat, keep yards mowed, and treat pets year round.