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August 06, 2025
Why August Tick Protection Remains Essential for Maine Residents
Compared to many other parts of the country, Maine is a great place to live. Our winters may be long and cold, but our summers are as close to perfect as can be. We get the occasional storm but rarely deal with hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires. We also have it pretty good when it comes to pests. We don’t have to deal with venomous snakes, stinging scorpions, or spiders bigger than our hands. But we do have one thing in abundance here: ticks.
These tiny pests are a significant problem in the Pine Tree state, and the issues they cause are well-known. Almost every resident knows someone who has dealt with Lyme disease and its long-lasting complications, or one of the other tick-borne illnesses that show up here in Maine.
Now that August has arrived, is it safe to lay off the tick protection? After all, isn’t tick activity at its highest in spring and early summer? As lovely as it would be to enjoy the rest of summer without worrying about ticks, the truth is they’re still out there and still a concern.
However, ticks don’t have to ruin your summer. Pine State Pest Solutions has the information you need to help keep your family protected.
What You’ll Learn in This Blog:
- Why tick activity remains high in Maine during August
- The health risks of tick bites in late summer
- How to reduce your risk of exposure at home and outdoors
- Why it’s still important to get professional tick control this time of year
Tick Season Timeline in Maine: Why August Tick Activity Is Still High
Ticks in Maine remain active from early spring through late fall. In fact, whenever the temperature rises above 40 degrees, there’s a chance you could come across active ticks. And tick populations have been lingering with the milder winters we’ve had in recent years.
Although their peak periods of activity are typically in spring and early summer, they don’t suddenly disappear when August arrives. The warm temperatures and lingering humidity are still ideal for ticks. They’re continuing their search for hosts, especially second-year nymphs. These nymphs seek out larger mammal hosts through late summer. After getting a blood meal, they molt into adults and find another host in fall before overwintering.
August is prime time for outdoor fun in Maine. Whether you’re hiking, camping, walking the dog, or just enjoying your outdoor living space, it’s easy to come into contact with ticks, especially if you’re not taking proper precautions.
Health Risks of Tick Bites in Late Summer
Lyme disease remains a serious health concern in Maine. Our state consistently ranks among the country's highest in Lyme disease transmission. Moreover, it’s estimated that up to 20% of Lyme cases may become chronic, with symptoms lingering for months or even years.
But Lyme disease isn’t the only tick-borne illness to be aware of in Maine. Others include:
All these illnesses can lead to severe health issues. Powassan virus, although rare, has been fatal in some cases.
One of the biggest problems with tick bites is that they often go unnoticed. Early symptoms of tick-borne diseases are usually vague—fatigue, fever, headache—and are easily mistaken for flu-like symptoms.
Delays in diagnosing tick-borne illnesses allow the disease to progress, which can lead to more serious complications. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms after spending time outdoors, don’t wait; talk to your doctor.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family in August
Although it’s hard to avoid ticks in Maine, you can keep your risk down with the right steps and enjoy the outdoors.
Personal Protection
If you’re spending time outside, particularly in wooded or grassy areas, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping ticks off:
- Use a tick repellent that is EPA-registered
- Ask you vet about a tick preventative for your pets
- Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks when hiking or walking through wooded or grassy areas
- Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, your kids, and your pets after spending time outside
Yard Maintenance
You don’t have to live in the deep woods to have ticks in your yard; if wildlife are passing through, ticks can be, too. A few simple changes can make your property a lot less inviting to them:
- Keep your grass trimmed short
- Clear away brush piles and leaf litter
- Use a mulch or gravel barrier between your lawn and wooded edges
- Schedule professional tick control treatments to eliminate hidden populations
Why Professional Tick Control Still Matters in August
In places like Auburn, Cape Elizabeth, and other parts of Maine, tick activity often continues well into October, and sometimes even into November during warmer years. That’s why a single treatment in spring isn’t enough.
If you had your yard treated earlier this year, it’s time to think about your next round. Wildlife can introduce new ticks at any point, and treatments can lose effectiveness over time.
Continuing your tick protection through fall ensures your family and pets are protected during one of the most active outdoor seasons of the year.
Pine State Pest Solutions offers seasonal tick treatments that are timed to match Maine’s tick season. Our program starts in April and continues through October, with service visits spaced out to keep your yard protected. We target areas where ticks are most likely to hang out, like shaded areas, brush, the edges of your property, and other hot spots.
Enjoy the Last of Summer Without Worrying About Ticks
Maine summers are too short to spend them worrying about tick bites. You can enjoy the outdoors through August and beyond with the right protection.
Make the most of Maine’s best weather without the threat of ticks getting in your way. Contact Pine State Pest Solutions today to schedule your next tick control service and protect your property through the end of the season.
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