The Short Answer: Nearly Year-Round
On Long Island, deer ticks — the primary species responsible for Lyme disease — are active any time temperatures exceed 40°F. Long Island winters are mild enough that this threshold is crossed frequently, even in January and February. This means tick risk on Long Island is not confined to a single season the way many homeowners assume.
That said, tick activity is not uniform throughout the year. There are two peak windows that represent the highest risk periods, and understanding them helps you make better decisions about when to prioritize yard protection and personal tick checks.
Month-by-Month Tick Activity on Long Island
| Period | Deer Tick |
|---|---|
| January–February | Low (active above 40°F) |
| March–April | Moderate — adult peak begins |
| May–June | High — nymph peak |
| July–August | Moderate |
| September–October | High — adult fall peak |
| November–December | Low (active on warm days) |
Activity levels represent typical Long Island seasonal patterns. Actual conditions vary by location and weather.
The Two Highest-Risk Windows
May–June: Nymph Season
Deer tick nymphs emerge in May and are active through June. They are the size of a poppy seed — easy to miss on skin or clothing. Nymphs are responsible for most Lyme disease cases on Long Island, partly because they feed undetected long enough to potentially transmit the bacteria. This is the window where yard protection matters most.
September–October: Adult Fall Peak
Adult deer ticks reach a second activity peak in fall. They are larger and more visible than nymphs, but many homeowners have stopped treatment after summer, leaving their yards unprotected. September and October are the months when adult deer ticks are most actively questing for hosts before winter.
Common Misconceptions About Tick Season
"Ticks are only active in summer."
The two highest-risk windows — May–June and September–October — bracket summer rather than fall within it. Summer has tick activity, but it's not the peak risk period for deer ticks.
"Ticks go away after the first frost."
A single frost doesn't end tick season for deer ticks. They remain active above 40°F and can quest on leaf litter on warm winter days.
"I don't have woods, so I don't have ticks."
Ticks are common in well-landscaped suburban yards. They shelter in mulch beds, ornamental shrubs, and leaf litter — not just forests.
When to Schedule Tick Treatment
A seasonal tick program from Pestify Pest Control is timed around the actual activity peaks — not just a calendar season. The most effective approach covers the property before the May nymph emergence, follows up mid-season, and includes a fall treatment for the adult deer tick peak.
Homeowners in Suffolk County and Nassau County can schedule service for any point in the season — starting in late March for maximum coverage through October. See the full towns we serve to confirm coverage in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do ticks come out on Long Island?
Deer ticks (blacklegged ticks) are active on Long Island nearly year-round — any time temperatures exceed 40°F. That can include warm days in January and February. Lone star and American dog ticks are seasonal, typically active from April through August.
What month is tick season on Long Island?
There is no single 'tick month' on Long Island. The two highest-risk windows are May–June (deer tick nymph peak) and September–October (adult deer tick fall peak). Treating only in summer misses both of these critical windows.
Are ticks active in winter on Long Island?
Adult deer ticks can be active in winter on Long Island when temperatures rise above 40°F. Long Island's mild winters — with frequent above-freezing days — mean tick exposure is possible in any month. Lone star and dog ticks are generally dormant in winter.
When should I start tick treatment on Long Island?
The ideal time to start tick treatment is late March or early April — before the May–June nymph peak begins. Starting early provides protection during the highest-risk window of the year.