When is Flea Season: Map by State
Fleas and ticks are a few of the many pests that can wreak havoc on your pets and household. So when is flea season and where are they the biggest threat to both you and your beloved dog or cat?
Explore this article to find out when your state is most affected by pests. Plus, how to prepare and protect your pet from unwanted diseases.
Are fleas and ticks seasonal
Fleas and ticks have impeccable fighting power. Even in colder months, they will do anything to stay alive. While these pesky parasites tend to increase as temperatures rise, they aren’t completely seasonal.
What are ticks and where to find them
There are over 200 types of ticks in the United States. Ticks transmit disease (like Lyme disease) when they feed on the blood of animals like dogs, cats, and rodents. Most species of ticks live east of the Rocky Mountains.
Common types of ticks in the United States
| Tick species | Tick-borne diseases |
|---|---|
| American dog tick | Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia |
| Blacklegged tick | Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis |
| Brown dog tick | Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
| Lone star tick | Ehrlichiosis |
But, even if you live on the west coast you aren’t entirely out of the woods. Ticks can be an even bigger problem if you live in more rural areas (i.e. tick-infested regions). Hiking in tall grass and wooded areas are other ways you can encounter ticks.
What are fleas and where to find them
Finding fleas on dogs or cats isn’t fun. They are easy to pick up from places like the dog park or kennel. And, they can become an even bigger issue if they remain active in your home.
Fleas are extremely common in indoor or outdoor cats and dogs, and they live all over the world. Fleas tend to find an animal host (like pets) to feed on and reproduce. Their itchy bites can cause hair loss, bacterial infection, and disease.
Common types of fleas in the United States
| Flea species | Flea-borne illnesses |
|---|---|
| Cat fleas | Cat scratch disease (CSD), Murine typhus |
| Dog fleas | Tapeworm |
| Ground squirrel flea | Bubonic plague |
| Oriental rat fleas | Bubonic plague, Murine typhus |
What time of year are fleas most active
Fleas are most active in the early spring, summer, and fall. Adult fleas may have a hard time surviving harsh winters. But flea eggs, flea pupae, and larvae can survive all year. Common hiding spots include your attic, floorboards, and furniture.
So when do you need to worry about protecting your pets? Here’s what you need to know about the seasonality of parasites in your area.
When is flea and tick season for dogs & cats
Temperature and humidity play a big role in creating the perfect climate for fleas and ticks. The ideal temperature ranges from 75° to 85° F and around 90% humidity. Both thrive in warmer climates and fleas are particularly favorable to humid conditions.
However, because these parasites can survive throughout the winter months indoors, flea/tick activity can last all year for many states.
What months are flea and tick season
Flea and tick season can last anywhere from 6 to 9 months. In the United States, they are most prevalent in:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
Flea and tick season map by state
Source: American Kennel Club, 2022
When does flea and tick season start by state
| Season | States |
|---|---|
| Year-round | Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington |
| February | Arkansas |
| March | Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia |
| April | Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin |
| May | Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming |
When is flea and tick season over by state
| Season | States |
|---|---|
| Year-round | Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington |
| October | Alaska |
| November | Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming |
| December | Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming |
California
California is a vast area that spans the entire west coast. This geography makes for a variety of climates and temperatures depending on where you live.
While most of California is warm and dry, there are some areas that are far more humid and wet. Mild temperatures make California the perfect home for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and more.
Florida
If you’ve ever visited Florida you know how humid it can be no matter the time of year. Florida is part of the humid subtropical climate zone which makes for long, hot summers and mild, wet winters. Because of this, fleas and ticks can be big issues for your pets year-round.
New York
New York is part of the humid continental climate zone. Bordered by several large bodies of water, New York has warm summers and cold winters. Large urban areas also make it easier for your dog(s) to host fleas even as temperatures drop. These are ideal conditions for fleas to survive cold weather.
Large urban areas also make it easier for your dog(s) to host fleas even as temperatures drop. These are ideal conditions for fleas to survive cold weather.
Michigan and Ohio
Unlike other midwestern states, Michigan and Ohio get hit a little harder by pests. This is due to large bodies of water and tall grasses nearby. Both states are part of the humid continental zones and experience mild to hot summers with rain all year.
Pennsylvania
Like much of the northeastern United States, Pennsylvania falls in the humid continental climate zone. Similar to New York, this area suffers from hot, wet summers and tons of rain. Mild, damp conditions are great for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Texas
Texas’ size ensures there are several climate zones represented throughout. Hot semi-arid climates are prevalent along the border of Mexico. And in the eastern part of the state, you might experience humid subtropical climates. Either way fleas and ticks are a year-round threat to your pets.
How to prepare for flea season
By now you know that these disease-ridden parasites are a nuisance every season. But do dogs need flea and tick medicine in the winter? What about cats? How can your veterinarian help?
No matter where you live, it’s best to use preventive medication to avoid tick bites or an active flea infestation. Even in the winter months, continuous treatments can be helpful for year-round flea prevention.
What month should you start flea treatment
No matter when you start, you should always use a flea and tick preventative that works for your furry family members. The best strategy is to at least start in your state’s peak season.
Here are some other ways you can prepare for the warmer months ahead.
Know what to look for
- Learn where to check your pets for fleas and ticks.
- Understand how to properly remove ticks.
- Know how to treat fleas found on your dog or cat.
- Keep the right tools around your house (like a flea comb).
Protect your house and pet year-round
- Consult with your veterinarian about the right formula for your pet's health.
- Use a preventative flea and tick solution that will kill ticks, as well all life cycle stages of fleas (including eggs).
- Protect against flea infestations with an insect growth regulator (IGR).
