In the past few weeks, I’ve had several clients reach out regarding a tick exposure. I think there is a general thought that ticks are only active in the spring/summer, which is not true.

In fact, many exposures can happen in the fall due to the activities outside, raking or playing in leaves, not being as protective etc. Until the ground has been frozen for several weeks (at least), I would still urge caution and checking when outside.

During the winter months, adult ticks retreat underneath leaf litter or other surface vegetation, becoming inactive in temperatures below 37 degrees. With the exception of unusually warm winters, adult ticks will begin to become active again in late February / early March.

Ticks lifecycles consist of the following four stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult.

Stage 1: Eggs
Tick eggs are often laid in the spring from female ticks, after they have completed their two to three year-life cycle. One female tick can lay thousands of eggs. These eggs can be found under leaves and other warm places outside.

Stage 2: Larva
In the summer, tick eggs hatch into six-legged larvae. Not all larval ticks transmit Lyme disease, it depends on what host they feed on. Some larval ticks have what’s called ‘transovarial transmission’ where they were transmitted from the female/mom to the eggs.

Stage 3: Nymphs
Between fall and the spring, larvae ticks become nymphs. At this stage they have 8 legs and are most active in weather above 37 degrees. During colder months, nymphs are often dormant under leaf litter, snow and shaded areas. Nymphs are as tiny as a poppy seed. Due to this size, they can be easily missed and can transmit Lyme disease and other toxins.

Stage 4: Adult
During the fall, the nymph transitions into an adult. During the nymph and adult phases, ticks can seek out humans as their hosts and transmit Lyme disease and other pathogens.

I always urge protocols if someone has found a nymph or an adult female tick. If you want to learn more on prevention, protocols, check lists, and so much more. I have an ebook called ‘After the Bite’ that can prepare you + your family against exposures. Purchase the e-book here!