Many people believe ticks disappear with cold weather, but this is a misconception. Ticks can remain active and pose a risk during colder months, especially when temperatures rise above freezing. Understanding their winter behavior is important for year-round protection.
Understanding Tick Activity in Winter
Ticks are resilient and survive cold by entering a state of reduced activity called diapause. They do not die in freezing temperatures and can become active again if conditions become favorable.
During sustained cold, ticks seek shelter in insulated environments. They burrow into leaf litter, under dense vegetation, or beneath snow cover, which acts as an insulating blanket. This protective layer helps them survive extreme temperatures.
When temperatures rise above 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (2-4 degrees Celsius), ticks can emerge from their sheltered spots. These mild spells allow unfed ticks to seek a blood meal. While larval and nymphal ticks are generally dormant, adult ticks are the primary concern during these warmer periods.
Common Ticks Active in Colder Months
The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick ( Ixodes scapularis ), is the species most active during colder months. These ticks can quest for hosts in temperatures above freezing, even with snow on the ground, and remain active throughout winter.
Other common tick species, such as the American dog tick and Lone Star tick, are typically inactive during fall and winter. Blacklegged ticks are often found in wooded areas, leaf litter, and tall grasses at forest edges, as these locations provide cover and host opportunities.
Blacklegged ticks are able to survive in surprisingly low temperatures. However, consistent temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius) are generally needed to significantly impact their populations.
Protecting Yourself from Winter Ticks
Protecting yourself from ticks during winter requires vigilance, especially on warmer days. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tucking pant legs into socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling onto your skin. Light-colored clothing also makes ticks easier to spot.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin (applied to clothing and gear, not skin) can deter ticks.
After spending time outdoors, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, your family, and any pets. Pay close attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, and around the ankles where ticks commonly attach.
Responding to a Winter Tick Bite
If you find a tick attached to your skin, prompt removal is important. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull steadily upward with even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking, which can cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off in the skin.
After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Avoid common folklore remedies like applying heat, petroleum jelly, or nail polish, as these methods are not effective and can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Monitor the bite area for several weeks for any signs of illness. Common symptoms of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, include a spreading red rash that may resemble a bull’s-eye, fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, or swollen lymph nodes. If any of these symptoms develop, or if you are unable to remove the tick completely, consult a healthcare professional.