Ambient Air Temperature as a Predictor of Activity of Adult Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Based on winter flagging experiments on Long Island, NY, adult Ixodes scapularis Say have an apparent threshold of questing activity at 4°C. This threshold should be incorporated into public education efforts because the public may be at risk of contracting Lyme disease any time during the winter when temperatures exceed 4°C.