Winter has arrived in Illinois, and many people think that it is the end of tick activity. But this is not true. Studies show that black-legged (deer) ticks stay active even in freezing temperatures. These ticks can move around on warmer winter days when it is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They can spread illnesses like Lyme Disease, a prevalent concern in Illinois.
In 2024, a black-legged tick in Illinois tested positive for Ehrlichia Muris Eau Claire Sis, a rare but serious illness. This finding shows the need to stay alert all year. Ticks are active from late fall through winter and can attach to people or animals during mild weather. Adult ticks often wait for the warmer months and remain in a dormant state.
Therefore, the winter will not protect you from tick bites, especially if you are someone who goes outside or near wooded areas a lot. To keep your family safe from ticks and avoid bringing them home with you, call Buffalo Grove Exterminator Services today.
Do ticks survive winter?
Ticks usually die in winter. However, some species are able to survive the cold weather, especially the black-legged (deer) tick. These ticks have developed special abilities to handle cold temperatures. Many insects die when the weather turns cold; however, the black-legged tick and some other species survive the freezing temperature by going into a state of dormancy.
These ticks slow down their activities and give rest to their bodies until the weather turns warm again. Therefore, you must be very careful of these black-legged ticks as they still continue to be at risk of diseases, even during winter.
Ticks survive winter by using different strategies that protect them from the cold. They often do this by hiding or seeking shelter. They hide in places like leaf litter, soil, or even under the snow. These areas keep the ticks insulated from the freezing temperatures.
The snow, especially, acts as a blanket and keeps the temperature around the tick much warmer than the outside air. However, these are not the only ways they survive. They can also attach to a host, like a deer or a human, for warmth and food.
Ticks are also influenced by the environment they live in. In regions where the winter is very cold, ticks may become inactive or enter a dormant state and wait till the weather turns warm. Also, the snow, rather than being a danger for ticks, keeps them insulated and helps them survive.
Moreover, in areas where the weather is not extremely cold, ticks may stay active even during the winter. In these regions, the temperature does not drop low enough that ticks have to pause their activities and enter a dormant stage.
Therefore, they continue to feed and reproduce throughout the year. This is why ticks can be a year-round concern in places where winters are not very cold.
Ticks and hosts in winter
Ticks stay active during the winter by attaching to warm-blooded animals such as deer, rodents, and pets. These animals provide ticks with the heat and food they need to survive in cold weather. You might think that outdoor activity decreases in winter, so you might be safe from a tick bite.
However, it is important to know that the risk of tick exposure is not completely gone. Ticks can still be found on animals, which may enter human spaces, like homes or yards. Pets that go outside during winter can also bring ticks inside.
Therefore, if you are spending time outdoors, even during winter, you must be very careful, wear protective clothing, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Don’t let ticks ruin your winter!
Ticks remain active throughout the year, even during the harsh cold months. It is important to take provocative measures to protect yourself and your family. Contact professional pest control services in Illinois today!