As temperatures plummet and snow flurries fly, some critters head south, and others burrow down to hibernate.
What about ticks? Where do they go? Do we still have to worry about ticks in cold weather? Can ticks survive cold weather, or does cold weather kill ticks? If cold weather kills the nasty biters, at what temperatures do ticks die?
Ticks are intriguing critters. Led by an insatiable curiosity about how ticks can survive cold weather, we dug deep into the issue. Let’s take a look at some fascinating findings about ticks in cold weather.
At What Temperature Do Ticks Die?
Ticks can survive cold weather, but not always. So, when does cold weather kill ticks? If the temperature falls below 10 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there for several days, about ⅕ of the tick population in the area will likely die off, even if buried deep in the soil layer. However, female ticks are particularly robust and are capable of surviving such cold temperatures until they can lay their eggs in spring.
Burrowing into the soil can help protect ticks in cold weather, but a premature thaw or warm period can fool them into thinking it’s time to come out of hiding. If the warm weather is followed by a sudden cold snap that freezes the ground quickly, the tick can’t burrow back underground for warmth. This is one of the scenarios in which a tick could die.
Related Topic: What Temperature Kills Mosquitoes?
How Do Ticks Adapt to Cold Weather?
Ticks in cold weather adapt in numerous ways. The activity of ticks in cold weather varies according to the tick species and life cycle stage. There are different levels of cold tolerance within tick species as well.
One way a tick can survive cold weather is by burrowing beneath leaves and soil. Deep snow also helps insulate dormant ticks from freezing temperatures. Other ticks may come out of hiding to feed on a host, even in extremely cold weather. And then there are those that stay on a warm-blooded animal the whole season.
Which Type of Ticks Are More Active in the Winter?
Blacklegged ticks, aka deer ticks, and their cousins, the western black-legged ticks, both can carry Lyme disease (and other pathogens) and are active in cold weather. Their tolerance for the cold varies.
Researchers have found that 50% of blacklegged ticks die at temps of minus 14 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, but some go much colder and still live to suck another blood meal. These weather-defying ticks can survive temperatures as low as 7.06 degrees Fahrenheit by pulling water molecules out of their bodies before they turn to ice.
The winter tick is active (not surprisingly) throughout the year because it spends its entire life on a warm-blooded host—a very unusual trait (even for a tick).
Other common ticks, like dog ticks and lone star ticks, seek shelter in leaf litter during the winter and go dormant (in diapause) during the colder winter months. If they’re lucky, a thick layer of snow can provide additional insulation, further protecting their bodies from the cold. These ticks can survive cold weather and emerge again in spring.
Ticks act differently according to where they are in the life cycle as well. Tick nymphs enter a form of stasis to ride out the winter chill, so they tend to nest without feeding. However, many adult ticks will muster the energy to find another host to feed on. They attach themselves to a host and benefit from its body warmth and blood.
What If You Have Warm Winters?
Sadly, as we have seen, ferocious winter weather cannot be counted on to kill ticks. If you live in a warmer climate where temperatures rarely dip below freezing, you have to be on guard throughout the year. In these areas, ticks are active in and around your home during every season. But you don’t have to battle these blood bandits alone. The pest control pros at Mosquito Joe® can provide year-round protection for you, your family, and your pets.
You now know the cold, hard truth about the survival abilities of ticks. Yes, ticks can survive cold weather—but you have a powerful ally against the nasty little bloodsuckers. Mosquito Joe provides effective tick control service and maintenance all year round. Our skilled team arrives promptly, in uniform, and driving a marked van filled with the tools of our trade.
As a proud member of the Neighborly community of home service brands, all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe guarantee, which ensures your complete satisfaction.
Request a free quote today, and dive deeper into our Mosquito Joe blog to stay informed on the best ways to combat pests and enjoy the outdoors again!
