Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, are commonly associated with Lyme disease transmission. Many believe they disappear in cold weather, a misconception that can lead to a false sense of security. These ticks are resilient and have developed strategies to endure winter, posing a potential risk year-round.
Deer Tick Winter Survival
Deer ticks do not die in winter; they employ survival mechanisms. Adult deer ticks remain active even when temperatures are above freezing, around 35-40°F (2-4°C). They may become less active or enter a dormant state during sustained periods of extreme cold, often below 10°F (-12°C).
Ticks seek shelter in insulated environments like leaf litter, under snow cover, or within the soil. Snow acts as an insulating layer, protecting them from harsh freezing temperatures. During warmer spells in winter, when temperatures rise above freezing, deer ticks can re-emerge and become active, seeking a blood meal. Nymphs are inactive in colder months, but adult ticks are known for winter activity. If attached to a host like a deer, ticks can also benefit from the animal’s body heat, surviving cold snaps.
Year-Round Tick Awareness and Prevention
Their ability to survive and remain active in winter makes deer ticks a year-round concern. Consistent awareness and prevention strategies minimize exposure. Protecting yourself involves adopting habits that reduce the likelihood of tick encounters outdoors.
Wear appropriate clothing: long-sleeved shirts and pants, tucking pant legs into socks to create a barrier. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin for additional protection. Clothing and gear can also be treated with permethrin, which repels and kills ticks, offering long-lasting protection through multiple washes.
After spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, conduct a thorough tick check. Ticks favor warm, hidden areas, so inspect:
- Behind the knees
- In and around the ears
- Inside the belly button
- Underarms
- Between the legs
- Around the waist
- In the hair
Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks. For clothing, tumble dry items on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any lingering ticks. Maintain your yard by clearing leaf litter, mowing tall grass, and creating wood chip or gravel barriers to reduce tick habitats around your home.