Thought Tick Season Was Over? Why Ticks, Mosquitoes & Flies Aren't Done With Us Yet!

Wait… A Tick? In October?!

This morning, we found a tick on Mikvah.

Yes, a tick.

At the end of October. In Canada.

We thought tick season was over too!

The summer heat is gone. The leaves are falling. We're pulling out our jackets, and our pets are enjoying those crisp fall walks.

So why are ticks still hanging around?

Here's the surprising truth:

Ticks don't follow our calendars. They follow the weather.

And they're not the only ones.

Mosquitoes and flies also respond to changing temperatures, moisture, and seasonal conditions.

Let's explore why a chilly morning doesn't necessarily mean outdoor pests have packed their bags for winter.

1. Ticks: The Cold-Weather Survivors

You might think ticks disappear as soon as the temperature drops.

Unfortunately, they're a little more stubborn than that.

Some ticks, including blacklegged ticks found in Canada, can remain active well into the cooler months.

In fact, adult blacklegged ticks are often particularly active during the fall, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada's guidance on ticks.

Why Do Ticks Appear During Warm Fall Days?

Ticks are cold-blooded, meaning their activity is influenced by the temperature around them.

Blacklegged ticks can become active when temperatures rise above approximately 4°C, although moisture and ground conditions also matter.

That means a sunny fall afternoon can still be a good time for ticks to search for a host.

And your dog walking through fallen leaves or brushing against tall grass?

That's an opportunity.

Ticks can also survive cold weather by sheltering beneath leaves, soil, and snow.

The takeaway: A cold night doesn't mean tick season is over. As long as conditions are favourable, ticks may still be active.

2. Mosquitoes: Why One Warm Day Can Bring Them Back

Ever enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon, only to hear that familiar buzzing sound?

Bzzzzzz.

Seriously? Still?

Mosquitoes are strongly influenced by temperature and standing water.

As temperatures fall, their activity usually slows. But some species can remain active during mild fall weather, while others survive winter as eggs or in sheltered resting stages.

Why Does Changing Weather Matter?

Warm temperatures can support mosquito activity, while rainfall can create standing water where some mosquito species breed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that mosquitoes depend on water for their life cycle and that their development and activity vary with environmental conditions.

And here's the tricky part: Different mosquito species respond differently to seasonal changes.

Some become inactive earlier, while others may remain active until colder conditions arrive.

So even when summer is officially over, a stretch of mild weather may mean you haven't seen the last mosquito.

The takeaway: Cooler weather usually reduces mosquito activity, but the first chilly morning doesn't guarantee they're gone.

3. Flies: Why Are They Still Buzzing Around?

Flies can be surprisingly persistent too.

Depending on the species, some flies remain active into fall, especially during warmer weather.

Others seek shelter as outdoor temperatures drop.

What Makes Flies More Active?

Warmth, moisture, food sources, and suitable breeding conditions can all influence fly activity.

Some biting flies are most common during warmer months, while certain species may remain a nuisance later into the season.

And let's be fair—nobody enjoys a peaceful walk interrupted by something buzzing around their face.

Not us.

Definitely not our dogs.

The takeaway: Fly activity changes with the weather and species, not simply the month printed on the calendar.

4. Why Fall Weather Can Be So Unpredictable

Here's what makes fall tricky.

One morning, you're scraping frost off your windshield.

Two days later, you're outside without a jacket.

Sound familiar?

These temperature swings can create short windows of activity for some outdoor pests.

Rain, humidity, leaf litter, and sheltered areas also influence where ticks and insects survive.

And even when conditions become too cold for activity, that doesn't necessarily mean every pest has died.

Some survive in protected habitats or enter inactive life stages until conditions improve.

In other words: A change in season doesn't always mean the end of outdoor pest season.

5. Five Simple Habits for Fall Adventures With Your Pet

You don't need to stop enjoying the outdoors just because the seasons are changing.

You just need to keep a few good habits going.

1. Check your pet after every walk. Pay special attention to the ears, neck, armpits, belly, between the toes, and around the collar.

2. Be mindful of tall grass and leaf litter. Ticks can wait in vegetation and sheltered outdoor areas, even during cooler months.

3. Keep your outdoor routine consistent. Don't stop checking for ticks simply because the weather feels cooler.

4. Remove attached ticks promptly. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a suitable tick-removal tool, grasp the tick close to the skin, and pull steadily.

5. Keep your pet fresh and adventure-ready. A botanical coat-freshening routine can be a pleasant addition to your walks, hikes, and outdoor activities.

And that brings us to something we love bringing along on our adventures.

Meet Myco Pet Outdoor: Botanical Freshness for Every Adventure

Summer may be over, but outdoor adventures certainly aren't!

Whether you're exploring fall trails, enjoying a walk through the park, or spending time in the backyard, Myco Pet Outdoor brings the refreshing scents of nature to your outdoor routine.

Made with a blend of four aromatic botanical oils, Outdoor helps keep your pet's coat smelling fresh during walks, hikes, and everyday adventures.

What's Inside Outdoor?

Cedarwood Oil — The Woodsy Favourite

Known for its warm, woodsy scent, cedarwood is commonly used in botanical outdoor blends.

Geranium Oil — The Floral Touch

A fragrant botanical oil often included in outdoor-care formulations, bringing a fresh floral note to the blend.

Lemongrass Oil — The Fresh & Citrusy One

Provides a crisp, refreshing citrus-like aroma that's perfect for outdoor adventures.

Eucalyptus Oil — The Refreshing Finish

Adds a clean, invigorating botanical scent to complete the blend.

Make Every Outdoor Adventure a Little Fresher!

Whether you're exploring fall trails, enjoying a walk through the park, or spending time in the backyard, Myco Pet Outdoor brings the refreshing scents of cedarwood, geranium, lemongrass, and eucalyptus to your pet's outdoor routine.

It's a simple, botanical way to keep your pet's coat smelling fresh and adventure-ready, even as the seasons change.

Fresh coat. Botanical scent. Ready for the next adventure.

The Bottom Line: Don't Let the Calendar Fool You!

Finding a tick on Mikvah was a reminder we didn't expect.

Just because summer is over doesn't mean every outdoor pest has disappeared.

Ticks can remain active during cool weather. Mosquitoes may linger during mild conditions. And flies don't all disappear at the first sign of fall.

So enjoy the crunchy leaves, cool air, and beautiful fall walks.

Keep checking your pet after outdoor adventures, and don't let the calendar decide when you stop paying attention to ticks.

And for a fresh, botanical addition to those adventures, bring along Myco Pet Outdoor.

Because apparently, nobody told the ticks that October was supposed to be their time off!