When autumn air rolls in and the first frosts hit, most people put away their bug spray and stop doing tick checks. But, ticks do not die off in cold weather. In reality, they are still active in the fall and winter. While their behavior changes with the temperature, tick exposure remains a risk well into the colder months.
Here is what you need to know about cold-weather tick behavior, why fall and winter tick bites are often overlooked, and how you can protect your family and pets year-round.
Fall Is Peak Season for Adult Blacklegged Ticks
While tiny nymph ticks drive many Lyme disease cases in the spring and early summer, adult blacklegged ticks reach a second major peak of activity in October and November. Autumn chores and activities put you right in their path. Ticks love to shelter in damp leaf litter, woodpiles, and tall brush.
What Happens to Ticks in the Winter?
Ticks are built to survive harsh conditions. When temperatures dip below freezing, they burrow beneath insulating layers of fallen leaves, dirt, or snow, entering a state of dormancy. When winter temperatures climb above 35°F, dormant adult ticks can begin questing for a host.
How to Stay Protected from Ticks During Fall and Winter
Continue to check for ticks on yourself, your kids, your gear and on pets through all four seasons. To check dogs for ticks be sure to check their coats - especially around the ears, collar, and paws—after walks.
Autumn layers work in your favor. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot and tuck your pants into your socks when hiking or raking leaves.
Keep grass mowed before the first snow, remove fallen leaves from your yard, and stack firewood in a dry area away from the house to minimize tick habitats.
Found a Tick? Get Answers in Minutes - Not Days or Weeks
Finding a tick on yourself, your child, or your pet can trigger immediate panic. With an at-home tick test, you simply remove the tick and test it for clear results in less than 30 minutes.
Don't let colder weather catch you off guard. Stock your medicine cabinet and pet first-aid kit with LymeAlert so you are prepared for tick bites - no matter what month the calendar says.