FleaDates › Tick season › West Virginia
Southeast · WV
When are ticks active in West Virginia?
Ticks in West Virginia are typically active mid-February to mid-December, heaviest Apr–Oct — and adult blacklegged ticks can surface on any mild winter day.
Ticks to know in West Virginia
Blacklegged ticks are West Virginia's headline concern, thick in the leaf litter of hardwood forests and active whenever winter eases. American dog ticks take over sunny meadows and roadsides in high summer, and lone star ticks are increasingly common in the lower river valleys. The heavy months run April through October, with blacklegged adults extending the tail of the season into December.
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 West Virginia
| Month | Typical activity | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low | 33.9°F |
| February | Low | 37.1°F |
| March | Moderate | 45°F |
| April | High | 56°F |
| May | Peak | 64.2°F |
| June | Peak | 71.8°F |
| July | Peak | 75.4°F |
| August | Peak | 74.2°F |
| September | Peak | 67.8°F |
| October | High | 56.6°F |
| November | Moderate | 46°F |
| December | Low | 37.9°F |
Estimates from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), averaged across 3 weather stations near West Virginia'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. West Virginia flea season typically runs late March to mid-November — see the West Virginia flea season page.
Frequently asked questions
When does tick season start in West Virginia?
Around mid-February 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 West Virginia?
The species dog owners most often meet in West Virginia: blacklegged (deer) tick, American dog tick, lone star tick. Blacklegged ticks are West Virginia's headline concern, thick in the leaf litter of hardwood forests and active whenever winter eases. American dog ticks take over sunny meadows and roadsides in high summer, and lone star ticks are increasingly common in the lower river valleys. The heavy months run April through October, with blacklegged adults extending the tail of the season into December.
Do I need tick prevention in winter in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
Fleas run on a warmer calendar — in West Virginia that's late March to mid-November. See the West Virginia flea season page for that month-by-month picture.