El Niño Could Mean a Longer Tick Season This Winter, Says Abell Pest Control

With a strong El Niño underway, much of Canada and the U.S. is expected to see a milder winter

Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cooler days don’t always mean an end to tick activity. With a strong El Niño expected to bring milder winter weather to much of Canada and the United States, Abell Pest Control reminds homeowners, pet owners, and businesses to keep tick prevention part of their fall and winter routines. Blacklegged ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease, can remain active whenever temperatures rise above about 4°C (39°F), even after the first frost.

Key facts

• The Public Health Agency of Canada reported about 7,105 Lyme disease cases in 2025, the highest annual total since national tracking began.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.
• In an Abell Pest Control survey of public health inspectors, 46% said tick activity had increased by 20% or more. Most named milder winters as the main reason pest seasons are getting longer.

Why could a milder winter mean a longer tick season? Conditions will vary by region, but fewer long freezes and more mild spells could give ticks more chances to stay active and survive into spring.

“Fall is still tick season, and adult blacklegged ticks are especially active this time of year. Milder weather is extending their activity later into the year,” said Dr. Thamer Mahdi, PhD – Entomologist and Technical Support Auditor, Abell Pest Control. “Ticks shelter in leaf litter, so even everyday chores like raking can bring people into contact with them. A quick tick check after yardwork, walking the dog, or hiking is a simple year-round habit that helps protect families and pets.”

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bull's-eye rash. If you suspect a tick bite, speak with a health care provider and follow public health guidance. 

How can you protect yourself from ticks in fall and winter? Abell Pest Control recommends five steps:

1. Check for ticks. After time outdoors, check yourself, your children, and your pets.
2. Remove ticks properly. Use a tick puller or fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
3. Clean up the yard. Rake leaf litter; keep grass short to reduce places where ticks live.
4. Dress for protection. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-coloured clothing. Use an insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin, and consider clothing treated with permethrin.
5. Protect pets year-round. Ticks can be active on days above 4°C (39°F), even in winter, so ask your veterinarian about tick prevention during mild spells.

Abell Pest Control's licensed technicians are available 24/7 to help homeowners and businesses assess tick risk and build a prevention plan for their property.

About Dr. Thamer Mahdi

Dr. Thamer Mahdi, PhD, is an Entomologist and Technical Support Auditor at Abell Pest Control, with more than 35 years of experience in entomology and pest management. He holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Entomology) and a B.Sc. in Plant Protection. Dr. Mahdi is an expert in insect identification. He analyzes complex food-infesting pest complaints and helps clients meet national and international standards, including SQF (Safe Quality Food), BRC (British Retail Consortium), and AIB (American Institute of Baking). He specializes in structural pest management and general fumigation. He also trains Pest Management Professionals and develops their training materials.

About Abell Pest Control

Founded in 1924, Abell Pest Control has spent over a century delivering trusted pest management services. With generations of experience protecting homeowners, businesses, and their patrons, Abell combines deep industry expertise with a genuine commitment to customer care, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit www.abellpestcontrol.com.

Eliana Pasquariello
Abell Pest Control
epasquariello@abellgroup.com