During which period is the risk of acquiring a tick-borne disease highest in New Hampshire?

• A. May 15th to July 10th
• B. January to February
• C. August to September
• D. October to December

Answer: (A)

Risk is highest when ticks are most active and feeding on people. In New Hampshire, that peak activity happens in late spring to early summer, roughly mid-May through early July. During this period the blacklegged tick’s nymphs are out in force, small and easy to miss, yet capable of transmitting diseases like Lyme disease after feeding for about 24–48 hours. That combination of high tick activity and the likelihood of a bite makes the overall risk greatest in this window. Winter months are largely inactive for ticks, and while ticks are still present later in the season, the bite and transmission risk is not as high as in the late spring to early summer period.