Does The Current Cool Weather Mean Illinois’ Tick Season Is Over?

If you've spent the summer checking your pants, inspecting the dog, and wondering whether that little speck on your leg is a harmless piece of dirt or something that requires immediate attention, I've got some news for you.

Those cooler temperatures we're experiencing across Northern Illinois, with daytime highs in the low 60s and overnight lows dipping into the upper 40s, might make outdoor activities a little more comfortable. But does that mean our tick problems are finally coming to an end?

Not necessarily. In fact, you might want to keep that tick-checking routine going a little longer.

brown spider on white braille paper

The Short Answer Is No, Not Quite

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, different tick species have different seasonal patterns, and some of the ticks that concern Northern Illinois residents can remain active well into autumn.

The American dog tick, one of the more commonly encountered species, is generally most active during April, May and June. By September, adults are typically inactive and rarely observed. That's potentially encouraging news for anyone who's been dealing with those ticks all summer.

But there's another tick to consider: the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick.

Adults can be active during both spring and fall, and the Illinois Department of Public Health says they can be active from October through December, as well as on winter days when temperatures rise above freezing.

a close up of a spider

What About Our Chilly Overnight Temps?

Ticks don't simply disappear when the thermometer drops into the 40s. The Illinois Department of Public Health notes that ticks can be active on winter days when ground temperatures are around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

And the Illinois Department of Natural Resources explains that cold weather has limited impact on sheltered ticks, which can survive in places such as leaf litter, beneath snow and in tree bark.

So while a stretch of cooler weather may reduce activity among some species, it's not a reliable signal that the danger has passed.

a red and black bug on a green leaf

What Should Northern Illinois Residents Do Now?

The advice from health officials is pretty straightforward. Keep taking precautions when spending time outdoors.

• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.

• Avoid brushing against tall grass, dense brush and leaf litter when possible.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to its label.

• Check yourself, your family members and your pets after spending time outside.

• Shower soon after coming indoors, and inspect clothing and outdoor gear.

The CDC emphasizes that tick exposure can happen throughout the year, even though ticks are generally most active during warmer months.