Dangers Beneath the Snow: Do Ticks Die in the Winter?

Many of us think that ticks die off in the winter after the first hard frost. And this makes sense—we tend to see fewer ticks and even a drop in overall bug activity in the winter. So, thinking they’ve died away is an easy assumption.

Unfortunately, this is simply a myth. 

Today, we’ll answer the age-old question, “Do ticks die in the winter?” And help you understand how pest activity changes as the seasons come and go. 

Do Ticks Live in the Winter?

What might surprise you is that the adult black-legged (deer) ticks that spread Lyme disease begin their prime feeding activity just about the time of the first freeze. The reason is that their main host animals are deer, and deer are actively moving around in the fall. And if they can’t find deer, these ticks will attach to people or pets as the weather warms up.

The American dog tick and Lone Star ticks are inactive in fall and winter. Deer tick activity decreases only when temperatures start dropping below 35 degrees Fahrenheit or when the ground is covered in snow. But they quickly recover when temperatures begin to increase again. 

To actually kill ticks, the freezing temperatures must be sustained for a number of days below 10 degrees. We’re seeing this less and less as our winters are getting warmer than they used to be, so ticks may be inactive but alive. 

What this means is that you can’t let your guard down when it comes to ticks and the possibility of tick-transmitted diseases. Ticks are out in the winter, even though the number may be less. So, you should still practice tick safety if you’re outside for a while in the winter.

Where Do Ticks Go in the Winter?

Most ticks remain beneath the snow and soil as winter approaches. This helps to keep them warm and avoid the risk of death from the cold. So if you’re digging in the snow or beneath the soil, you’ll want to be careful not to stir up ticks—they may become more active if they sense blood nearby, especially if it’s warmer out. 

They also like to take shelter in leaf piles, so think twice before jumping into a large pile of leaves during the colder weather. Furthermore, any ticks that have attached to a deer will be kept warm by the animal’s body heat and will survive throughout the winter.

Can Ticks Bite My Pet in the Winter?

People who own pets are often less concerned about ticks in the fall and winter, but they are still out there. Pets should be treated year-round for ticks. Check with your veterinarian to see what they recommend.

Effectively preventing tick-borne diseases involves several factors. Here are important steps to reduce the chance that a tick will transmit diseases to your pet:

• Talk to your veterinarian about having your dog vaccinated for Lyme disease. This annual vaccine can help prevent transmission of the bacterium that carries Lyme disease.
• Use a topical tick prevention product, like Frontline Plus or K9 Advantix, all year long. Vaccines are not available for other tick-borne diseases, such as Anaplasmosis, which can be just as dangerous and crippling as Lyme disease. Vaccines also do not keep your pets from bringing ticks into your home, so you’ll want to use tick prevention as well. 
• Check your pets for ticks on a daily basis, especially after they have been outside. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately. One tick can transmit disease within 24 to 48 hours after it has attached itself to your pet.

Other Tips for Preventing Ticks & Lyme Disease

Mow Your Yard Regularly

Ticks thrive in tall grass and heavily wooded areas. These environments protect ticks from the sun’s intense UV rays, which will quickly dry out a tick’s body. This is why you need to mow your lawn on a regular basis. Don’t allow weeds to grow around your property. It’s also a good idea to rake up old leaves and pine needles.

Dress Appropriately

If you plan to go hiking or jogging on a nature trail, be sure to dress appropriately. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can help prevent ticks from latching onto your skin. Putting on light-colored clothes will also enable you to quickly spot a crawling tick.

Remove Ticks Quickly

To transmit Lyme disease, ticks must be attached to your skin for 36 hours. However, never wait to remove a tick from your body. Fine-tipped tweezers will allow you to slowly grab the tick and pull it away. Afterward, sanitize the area with alcohol and take a thorough shower.

Be Aware of Potential Lyme Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of Lyme disease mimic those of the common flu, which include headaches and muscle soreness. If you notice a bull’s-eye lesion on your skin, seek emergency assistance immediately. Remember, early-stage Lyme disease can be effectively treated with doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

Stay Safe from Ticks This Winter with F&W Pest Control