When are nymphs of Ixodes pacificus most commonly encountered by humans due to peak activity?
Answer
During late spring and early summer.
The nymphal stage of the Western Blacklegged Tick is identified as the most frequent point of contact for humans and pets. This increased encounter rate is attributable to two main factors: their extremely small size makes them easy to overlook during checks, and their active period coincides directly with peak human outdoor activity. This overlapping period is specifically identified as late spring and early summer, making vigilant checking crucial during these warmer months before they molt into the adult stage, which typically feeds during cooler seasons.
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