ORONO, Maine (WABI) – Whether you’re hunting deep in the woods or raking leaves in the yard, ticks are always around and they’re very active.

“I think there’s a common misconception that ticks are just found in the deep forest and that it’s activities like hunting and hiking that people are more likely to encounter. And what we really found is that the home landscape provides a great habitat for ticks and the wildlife that they feed on, and they end up on us,” said UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Laboratory Coordinator, Griffin Dill.

Just because tree leaves are cut doesn’t mean ticks are.

“It’s actually kind of the highest peak of deer tick activity of the year there, during the fall months. And then once those temperatures really start to drop and we see snow falling consistently, the numbers will slow down and deer tick activity will decrease for the winter,” Dill said.

Even though tick activity slows down, it certainly doesn’t stop, especially on less cold winter days.

“During the winter months, from December to early March, ticks tend to be dormant. That said, if we have temperatures above freezing, and especially if they reach around 40 degrees, ticks can and do become active. We therefore receive tick submissions every 12 months of the year. So during these hot periods, in mid-February, if the temperature reaches 40-45 degrees, ticks become active and are found on people and pets,” Dill explained.

Many already wear longer clothing to stay warm, which will help keep ticks off your skin, but treating clothing with Permethrin goes a step further by immobilizing ticks that get on your clothing.

“Long clothing is helpful, but by taking that extra step and treating the clothing, it goes a long way in preventing tick bites and the potential for tick-borne illnesses,” Dill added.

It’s always a good idea to check for ticks after going outside.

“It is certainly essential to check your dogs, your cats, your children, every time they come indoors, at this time of year, to minimize our risk of tick-borne illness,” stressed Dill.

Those wishing to submit a checkmark to the laboratory can learn more by by clicking here.

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