When does tick season start?

The first warm days of the year often feel like a relief. The sun reappears, nature awakens, and many people head outdoors again. Walking in the woods, working in the garden, or a bike ride through nature – it is all part of spring. But with the awakening of nature, tick season also begins.

At what temperature do ticks become active?

Ticks do not need a calendar to know when the season starts. They respond primarily to temperature. As soon as the temperature rises above approximately 7 degrees Celsius, ticks can become active. This means that the tick season in the Netherlands often starts as early as around March and can continue until October. Due to milder winters, ticks are sometimes even found almost all year round.

Especially in early spring, many people do not yet realize that the tick season has already started. As a result, the first tick bites are often sustained during this period.

Where are ticks most common?

During tick season, ticks are mainly found in places with sufficient shade and moisture. You may encounter them in, among other places:

• tall grass
• shrubs
• forest edges
• dunes
• parks
• gardens

Ticks do not jump out of trees. Instead, they wait on leaves or blades of grass until an animal or human walks by. When that happens, they cling on and look for a spot on the skin.

When is the risk of ticks greatest?

Although the tick season can last a long time, there are periods when ticks are extra active. Most tick bites occur in

• April to June
• September to October

During these months, temperature and humidity are ideal for ticks.

How can you a Tick bite prevent?

Fortunately, those who enjoy being outdoors do not have to avoid nature. With a few simple habits, you can increase the chance of a Tick bite significantly reduce Consider, for example:

• wear protective clothing in nature reserves
• socks over the trousers when walking through tall grass
• check yourself after a walk

Read more tips in our article here: How do you prevent a Tick bite and so Lyme disease

What should you do if you discover a tick?

Despite all precautions, it is possible that you still discover a tick. The most important thing is to remove the tick as quickly as possible. The shorter a tick is attached, the lower the chance that bacteria will be transmitted.

In our article Help, I have a Tick bite We explain step by step how best to do this.

Why it is good to know the tick season

Many people only realize after a Tick bite how early the tick season actually starts. By knowing when ticks become active, you can better protect yourself when you go into nature.

That doesn't mean you should spend less time outdoors – quite the opposite. Being outdoors, exercising, and getting fresh air are incredibly important for our health. A little awareness simply helps to continue enjoying nature carefree.

In our next article, we delve deeper into a question that many people are grappling with after a Tick bite: Lyme treatment, what options are available?

FAQ – Tick Season

When does tick season start in the Netherlands?

The tick season usually begins when the temperature rises above approximately 7 degrees Celsius. In the Netherlands, this often means from March, but during mild winters, ticks can be active almost all year round.

In which months do most tick bites occur?

Most tick bites are reported during two peak periods: April to June and September to October.

Where are you most at risk of a Tick bite?

Ticks are mainly found in tall grass, bushes, forest edges, parks, and gardens. They wait there until an animal or person walks by.