The guide
Tick season in southern Maine, month by month
Ticks are active whenever the ground is above freezing, including some winter days. These are the usual windows; the weather moves them.
Adult ticks, early spring
Adults that spent the winter under leaves climb grass and brush on the first thawed days. They are about the size of a sesame seed.
Mar to May
Nymphs
About the size of a poppy seed, and the stage people most often miss on skin, socks and pets.
May to Aug
Mosquitoes
They show up with the first warm nights and keep going until the first hard frost.
Jun to Sep
Adult ticks, fall
Adults return to leaves and tall grass after the first cool nights, and stay out on mild days into November.
Oct to Nov
Winter thaws
A few days above freezing can bring adults out. Dress and check as you would in spring.
Dec to Feb
My visits
Late May, mid-July and late September. You choose ticks only, mosquitoes only or both.
May, Jul, Sep
After time outside
Five minutes that matter as much as any treatment
Look
Check your whole body, including hair, behind knees, waistband and underarms. Check children and pets too.
Wash and dry
Shower soon after coming in. Tumble clothes on high heat for ten minutes before washing.
Ask
Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention for pets, and to your doctor about a bite or symptoms.
This is general guidance, not medical advice. The Maine CDC publishes current tick guidance.
Where ticks wait
Edges, not the middle of the lawn
Most ticks are found where lawn meets woods, along stone walls and in leaf litter and tall grass, not in the mown, sunny middle of a yard. That is why the work happens along the edge.
Lawn edges that touch woods or brush
Stone walls and wood piles
Leaf litter under shade trees
Tall grass along paths and fences
Walk the edge with me
I will map your yard and send a written estimate for the season before any work starts.