FleaDates › Tick season › North Dakota
Midwest · ND
When are ticks active in North Dakota?
Ticks in North Dakota are typically active early April to early November, heaviest May–Sep — and adult blacklegged ticks can surface on any mild winter day.
Ticks to know in North Dakota
American dog ticks are the species most North Dakota dogs encounter, in prairie grass and along shelterbelts, while Rocky Mountain wood ticks occur out in the western badlands country and blacklegged (deer) ticks have established in the wooded Red River Valley near Fargo and Grand Forks. The tick season runs April into early November, firmest from June through August, with solid shoulders in May and September.
Wherever the calendar sits this month, the habit that actually catches ticks is the after-walk check: ears, collar line, armpits, between the toes. Prevention plus checks beats either alone.
Month-by-month tick activity in North Dakota
| Month | Typical activity | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | Quiet | 9.4°F |
| February | Quiet | 13.8°F |
| March | Quiet | 27.2°F |
| April | Moderate | 42.3°F |
| May | High | 55.3°F |
| June | Peak | 65.6°F |
| July | Peak | 70.3°F |
| August | Peak | 68.5°F |
| September | High | 59.2°F |
| October | Moderate | 44.5°F |
| November | Quiet | 28.7°F |
| December | Quiet | 15.5°F |
Estimates from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), averaged across 3 weather stations near North Dakota's larger cities, using the ~40°F activity threshold reported in published tick research. Real years run early or late with the weather.
Fleas peak later. North Dakota flea season typically runs late April to mid-October — see the North Dakota flea season page.
Frequently asked questions
When does tick season start in North Dakota?
Around early April in a typical year, once temperatures clear roughly 40°F — noticeably earlier than flea season. A February thaw can bring ticks out ahead of schedule.
What ticks live in North Dakota?
The species dog owners most often meet in North Dakota: American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, blacklegged (deer) tick. American dog ticks are the species most North Dakota dogs encounter, in prairie grass and along shelterbelts, while Rocky Mountain wood ticks occur out in the western badlands country and blacklegged (deer) ticks have established in the wooded Red River Valley near Fargo and Grand Forks. The tick season runs April into early November, firmest from June through August, with solid shoulders in May and September.
Do I need tick prevention in winter in North Dakota?
Yes. Ticks overwinter under leaf litter and snow rather than dying off, and mild spells wake them — which is why veterinary organizations recommend year-round parasite prevention. The calendar shows when pressure peaks, not when protection can lapse.
What about fleas in North Dakota?
Fleas run on a warmer calendar — in North Dakota that's late April to mid-October. See the North Dakota flea season page for that month-by-month picture.