As fall days become cooler, tick metabolism and mobility begin to slow. Many ticks reduce their “questing” that is, climbing onto grasses or leaves to latch onto a passing host.
But certain species, like the black-legged tick (deer tick), are better adapted to cooler conditions and are known to remain somewhat active into fall and even early winter, particularly when temps stay above freezing.
When nights get cold or frost sets in, most ticks retreat to microhabitats, leaf litter, logs, shaded duff that provide insulation and humidity.
Larvae that fed earlier in the summer may molt into nymphs during fall. Some nymphs may feed or drop off hosts to develop into adults when conditions allow.
Adult ticks that survive past summer often seek larger hosts during fall to feed and for females to lay eggs before winter. After engorging, females drop to the ground for oviposition (egg laying).
Fall weather in Charlotte often includes rain, dew, and fog, which help maintain the humidity ticks need to avoid drying out. These moist conditions, combined with fallen leaves and thicker ground cover, offer ideal hiding spots and microclimates for ticks.
Leaf litter, shrubs, and shaded patches become prime refuges. Ticks can “ride out” colder periods in these sheltered spots until favorable conditions return.
Keep leaf litter and brush trimmed to reduce hiding spots.
Create buffer zones (gravel, mulch) between woodlands and yard edges.
Stay vigilant — check pets and skin after time in shaded or grassy places.
Don’t assume ticks are gone just because the air feels crisp they may still be active in sheltered spots.
