What Time of Day Are Ticks Most Active?

We know that ticks are most active from springtime through autumn, but is there a time of day we should be more vigilant looking out for them?

Honestly, the term active only loosely applies to ticks. They are fairly lazy in their questing habits. They latch onto their hosts not by seeking them out but rather waiting in one place for an opportune encounter. And where there are plenty of tick hosts, there are plenty of ticks. In Southeastern Mass, the typical tick hosts are ground rodents, like white-footed mice, and deer. However, ticks can obtain their blood meals from birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Most ticks prefer a different host at each stage of life, but for the brown dog tick, which prefers the same host throughout their lifecycle.

Ticks Are Busy During the Day – and Night

Ticks can be, and often are, most active during the day. Though, depending on the species of tick, as well as the external environment, active hours could vary. It is believed that tick activity is also governed by their internal clock. Like humans, they are said to have a circadian rhythm, which dictates everything from questing and feeding hours to pathogen transmission hours. Additionally, depending on their location, ticks might adapt their questing activities to the time of day that hosts are available.

When Should You Be Worried About Tick Exposure?

If you live in an area with large tick populations, like Southeastern Mass, it is advisable to remain vigilant at all times. When you are outdoors, imagine that ticks are always around, and behave accordingly, especially during peak activity season. And perhaps the most important piece of advice we could offer is to consistently perform tick checks on yourself, your kids, and your pets after spending time outdoors. If anyone has picked up a tick, it is essential that it be removed as quickly as possible. The longer a tick is attached, the better chance it could transmit any pathogens they might be carrying.

DID YOU KNOW? A blacklegged tick needs only be attached for 15 minutes to pass the rare, but potentially fatal Powassan virus.

If you live in Plymouth or Bristol County, Mass, Mosquito Squad offers highly effective tick control solutions for your backyard or your business. Our tick control technicians have the knowledge and experience to identify and help interrupt tick habitats on your property, and formulate the ideal tick yard treatment plan for your needs.

Tick Control Near You, Guaranteed Satisfaction

Mosquito Squad’s Plymouth County MA mosquito and tick control services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If your mosquito treatment doesn’t meet your standards, give us a call within 14 days and we will make it right.

Ask about our eco-friendly tick control formula!

We are not only committed to your satisfaction but also to our environment with careful attention to detail in our Plymouth County pest control services, targeted at controlling pests while preserving our essential pollinators.

Searching for tick control near me?

If you’re considering tick control, Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Mass is here to help. Call (774) 234-4611 or contact us online for truly effective tick control in Plymouth and Bristol County MA.

Also read: Is tick control helping?