Where do Ticks Live & When are They Most Active?
Tick season is one of the most dreaded times of the year for Massachusetts families. With experts reporting increased tick activity due to climate change, it’s likely that residents will notice an extended peak tick season as a result.
By understanding where ticks live and when they are most active, you can avoid infestation and tick-borne illness. To help you stay better prepared, we’ll answer:
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- Where do ticks live?
- Can ticks live in your house?
- When are ticks most active in Massachusetts?
- How do ticks get on you?
- Where do ticks attach to humans?
- What to do when you find ticks in the house or yard?
- Where do ticks live?
Where do Ticks Live?
Depending on the species, ticks generally prefer wooded, grassy regions that are higher in elevation where they can feed on deer, rabbits, lizards, squirrels, mice, and other living creatures. They like moist, humid environments that are low to the ground, which is why they are commonly found in logs, fallen branches, tall brush, and long grass.
Parks, fields, picnic areas, backyards, and remote woods are all ideal locations for ticks to live. Additionally, ticks are commonly found in the following habitats:
- Bird feeders
- Fallen or low-hanging branches
- Grassy areas
- Leaf piles
- Overgrown shrubs
- Stone walls
- Wood piles
- Wooded areas
Can Ticks Live in Your House?
While ticks prefer the outdoors, it is possible for these pesky parasites to live and thrive in your home. Certain species, such as dog ticks, can reproduce and lay eggs indoors. Dog ticks are common in Massachusetts and can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and types of tularemia.
Other tick species may only survive in the home for a short period of time. For instance, unfed deer ticks can only survive indoors for 24 hours until drying up and decaying. However, if they are able to find a host or moist hamper to dwell in, they can easily last up to three days or longer.
When are Ticks Most Active in Massachusetts?
Tick activity and transmission of tick-borne diseases occurs year-round in Massachusetts. In recent years, experts have noticed an increase in tick activity throughout the area, noting climate change as a possible cause for increased activity.
While tick activity does depend on the weather, there are two peak seasons that homeowners should watch for in Massachusetts. The first peak season occurs from March – August while the second happens from October – November. Most cases of tick-borne disease occur from June – August each year.
How do Ticks Get on You?
Ticks are attracted to carbon dioxide and sweat, making humans the perfect host. When they land on your skin, they latch onto you with their legs. Upon biting your skin, a numbing agent is released, allowing them to burrow deeper and deeper into the flesh without causing alarm.
How long a tick stays attached to your body depends on its age and species. Generally, if left undisturbed, a full-grown adult female tick can stay attached to its host for 7 – 10 days before falling off to find a new victim.
Where do Ticks Attach to Humans?
Ticks can attach to any part of the body; however, they are most commonly found in difficult-to-see areas, including:
- The groin .
- Armpits
- Scalp
In most cases, ticks must be attached for 36 – 48 hours before it can successfully transmit Lyme disease to its host. Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and skin rash. When left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to your joints, heart, and central nervous system.
What to do When You Find Ticks in the House or Yard
Because ticks can cause such serious illness, it’s important to eliminate them quickly when you notice their presence. Homeowners can reduce the number of ticks in their yard by:
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- Landscaping: Mowing and watering your lawn can help keep ticks out of your yard.
- Cleaning: Removing wood debris and fallen branches will eliminate common tick habitats.
- Prevention: Applying diatomaceous earth can kill ticks by dehydrating them immediately.
If ticks have become an overwhelming nuisance for you and your family despite your best efforts, GreenHow can help. Our pest control experts have years of experience eliminating tick populations from Massachusetts homes. Using eco-friendly yet powerful pest control solutions, we are confident in our team’s ability to remove unwanted guests from your home once and for all. Call us at (617) 964-4733 to request tick removal services today!
