Can You Get Rid of Ticks Over the Winter?
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
While we typically associate ticks with warmer months in spring and summer, certain parts of the country aren’t cold enough to fend off these pests in the middle of winter. Even in the northern United States, winter temperatures must be extremely cold for an extended period of time to kill these backyard predators. Think: Less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 10 days. Moreover, blacklegged ticks that attach to deer during the fall and winter are often sustained by the host animal and its body heat, making it possible for ticks to brave the cold snaps. Others lay safe under layers of leaves. For many tick species, there is no "tick season."
To learn more about what we can be doing to manage our property year-round, we connected with Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist at Mosquito Squad.
Why are ticks a concern in your yard?
"Ticks are considered medically important arthropods as they can vector a number of tick-borne diseases to people and pets," shares Crumbley. "Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are the most spread tick diseases in the US, but ticks can also spread equine encephalitis to people and pets as well as Powassan virus."
She adds, "Even ticks that don’t spread diseases are still dangerous to have in your yard. Tick bites can be irritating and easily infected if scratched at or left untreated."
Related: Winter is the Best Time For a Tree Evaluation—Assess For Damage and Disease Today
How do ticks find their prey?
"It's important to understand that ticks can only travel by crawling about," notes Crumbley. "Their lack of wings makes them land-locked in their navigation, so even adult ticks have to get creative when locating and latching onto hosts."
What is questing?
"Questing is another method ticks use to travel and grab onto hosts," warns Crumbley. "By climbing up along pieces of vegetation, shrubbery, and overgrown grass, ticks can place themselves elevated from the ground at 'host level.' From there, ticks use their frontmost legs to reach out and grab people, pets, and other animals that happen to come nearby."
Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
4 Steps to “Tick-Proof” Your Yard All Year
Prevention is the best method for pest control, even during cold weather, no matter the pest you’re dealing with. For ticks, Crumbley stresses that a large part of your prevention plan should include analyzing and updating areas around your yard.
1. Keep a Tidy Lawn
Ticks thrive in damp, shaded environments and tend to die in sunny, dry areas. Because of this, ticks are less likely to thrive in ornamental plants or on cut lawns and more likely to be found in brush, woods, or forest-lined areas surrounding your yard.
Clear out areas where lawn, leaf litter, and tree debris gather.
Relocate compost piles away from high-traffic areas.
2. Create a Barrier Between Your Yard and the Forest Line
Creating a mulch or gravel barrier between your yard and the environment where ticks thrive are great ways to avoid ticks from crossing into your yard. They tend to avoid crossing paths, mulch, or gravel, as crossing these areas exposes them to sun for long periods of time, which may lead to drying out and death for the tick.
3. Reduce Animal Presence
Addressing areas where rodents or animals forage may also help lower the tick population in your yard. Small animals and rodents are likely to carry deer ticks and black-legged ticks with them as the season goes on. Check under your deck, in sheds, and in woodpiles for evidence of animals.
4. Call in Professionals
Ticks encounters are common. It can be a challenging pest to effectively control. Their long lifecycle and overlapping generations make it hard to address current infestations and future generations. For the best results, call a professional pest control company to assist in controlling ticks.
Related: Prepare Your Garden for Winter in 10 Steps
Tips for All Homeowners
Use tick repellents to lower your risk of exposure. Ranger Ready is a brand we've used and trusted for years. We use the Picaridin 20% on our skin, and take preventative measures by spraying permethrin on our garments and outdoor gear. Permethrin-treated clothing is also sold in stores, making it easier for you to ward off ticks and insects every day.
Get in the habit of checking your body for ticks every day you spend time outside. Do a daily tick check on your pets, your children, and yourself.
Treat pets for ticks using a store-bought or vet-prescribed solution. Our dog used the Seresto collar for years with success. We currently use Simparica Trio as directed by our veterinarian.
Wear light-colored clothing. It's easier to spot dark ticks that can be as small as a poppy seed when they're contrasting with light fabric.
Learn to feel for ticks in places you can't see, such as behind your ears, in your belly button, and on your scalp.
Learn about the early signs of tickborne diseases; know what the rashes look like, question flu-like symptoms, and take early action by calling your doctor as soon as you suspect you have an infection.
Don't let your guard down during the winter months. Tick activity may decline, but they can still survive under the snow cover if you have an abundance of leaf litter.
