Ticks are small pests that are known for feeding on the blood on other animals and humans. They are often found in wooded and grassy areas, are notoriously hard to remove once they bite, and they can spread harmful diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis.
The good news is, though, that ticks all die off in the winter months, giving us months of sweet relief. …right?
Mosquito Solutions is your expert on ticks, mosquitos, fleas, and other tiny beasts. We’re here to answer your questions and offer advice on what Suffolk County residents can do to protect themselves from ticks this spring and summer.
Do Ticks Die in the Winter?
The answer is yes, ticks can die in the winter. However, not all ticks will die during the winter, and the survival rate of ticks can vary depending on the species, the environment, and the region. In general, adult ticks are less likely to survive the winter than immature ticks. This is because adult ticks are less able to tolerate the cold and are more susceptible to desiccation, or drying out.
The temperature at which ticks die can also vary depending on the species and the region. For example, the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), which is the primary vector of Lyme disease in New York, can survive temperatures as low as -4°F. However, most ticks will die when the temperature drops below freezing for an extended period of time.
Where do Ticks go during the winter?
So, of the ticks that do survive… how do they do it?
Ticks are often able to survive the winter by seeking refuge in protected microhabitats, such as leaf litter, tall grass, and under the bark of trees. During the winter, many ticks will also burrow into the soil to escape the cold and dry air.
The cold temperatures and lack of moisture brought on by the winter months can cause ticks to become dormant. This means that they will not be actively feeding or reproducing. However, they will remain alive and will be able to resume their normal activities when the weather warms up.
Now, when temps start rising, some ticks will venture out if the weather is mild enough. This is why it’s important to check yourself for ticks – even in the winter – if you’ve spent any time outside among trees and tall grasses.
How Should I Plan to Combat Ticks this Coming Spring and Summer?
To protect yourself from ticks this spring and summer, there are several steps you can take:
✓ Avoid Tick-Infested Areas
When possible, avoid areas where ticks are known to be abundant, such as wooded and grassy areas. If you do need to enter these areas, make sure to wear protective clothing, such as long pants and sleeves, and use insect repellent.
✓ Inspect Yourself Regularly
After spending time outdoors, make sure to inspect your body for ticks. Ticks can attach themselves to pretty much any part of your body, but they are most commonly found in the hair or around the waist. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible.
✓ Use Insect Repellent
When spending time outdoors, use insect repellents that are designed specifically to repel ticks. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and reapply the repellent as needed.
✓ Keep Your Yard Tidy
To reduce the number of ticks in your yard, keep the grass short, remove leaf litter, and clear away brush and tall grass around your home. You can also consider using tick control products, such as sprays and granules, to kill off any ticks that may be in your yard.
✓ Check Your Pets
Ticks can also attach themselves to your pets, so make sure to check them regularly and treat them with tick control products.
Contact Mosquito Solutions Inc for Quality Protection
Mosquito Solutions Inc uses environmentally friendly sprays that last. Even in the winter months, we can help you get rid of ticks that may be dormant and waiting for summer. Store-bought products are unreliable and often don’t work – and even when they do, they don’t last and can cause harm to the environment.
Being tick-free is important to us. Call us today or reach out online to learn what we can do to help prepare your yard for the warm months ahead.
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