Duration of tick activity
Webster, K.; Mitchell, G.B.; Wright, C.L.
Veterinary Record 116(14): 378-379
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3992858 Document Number: 254579
On a farm situated 200 metres above sea level in Ayrshire at least 20% and often 100% of unengorged adult female Ixodes ricinus collected in the autumn were active when observed throughout the winter and therefore theoretically able to feed. Autumn engorged females laid eggs 61 days after engorgement, against 19 days for spring engorged females. Ticks in this area are active and ready to feed for a much larger proportion of the year than reported previously in Scotland.