Ticks on Long Island can easily stay active well into December. While freezing temperatures temporarily put them on pause, just a few mild winter days are all it takes to bring them right back out in search of a host.
You might have packed away the patio furniture by November, but that doesn't mean ticks have finished their business for the year. Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, are still a problem even during late fall. Adult blacklegged ticks are particularly relevant because they may seek hosts when temperatures rise above freezing, even after the first frost.
On Long Island, you can have a stretch of freezing nights. That might seem to reduce tick activity, and it often does. But when milder weather comes back, it can make conditions favorable again. Then ticks can become active again.
Ticks can survive these changes by sheltering in more stable, humid microclimates like leaf litter and protected ground vegetation. That extra stability helps them last longer. That means there are more chances for homeowners to be exposed to ticks. That’s why walking dogs beside brush, working around leaf piles, hiking through wooded trails, or clearing overgrown areas may bring people into contact with ticks long after summer ends.
To deal with this, start by keeping frequently used lawn areas maintained and removing excessive leaf accumulation around paths, play areas, and the immediate perimeter of your home. When properties border woods, pay attention to the transition between maintained grass and natural vegetation.
Mosquito Squad of Long Island also provides tick control services for homeowners seeking professional help managing tick activity around their properties. That way, you can make your yard less hospitable to ticks no matter what the weather looks like.
If you're still finding ticks around your Long Island property during November or December, Mosquito Squad of Long Island can discuss your options. Call (631) 203-1252 or request a free quote online.
