Should I Worry About Ticks in the Winter?
Unfortunately, ticks don't just die and disappear in the winter months. If you live in Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland, you need to remain aware and take steps to prevent ticks on your pets and yourself.
Keep reading to learn why ticks are still a problem in the winter months and what you can do to keep yourself and your pets safe.
How Do Ticks Survive in the Winter?
One thing you may wonder is how the ticks remain alive in the frigid temperatures. While this varies by species, most ticks survive through the winter by going dormant or by latching on to a host.
A tick will hide in the leaf litter that's present in brushy or wooded areas. When the snow falls, it insulates the dormant ticks. Some soft-shell ticks can survive by staying undergrow in a den or burrow.
Do Ticks Come Out in the Winter?
This is another question that depends on the species of tick you are dealing with. For example, the lone star tick and American dog tick aren't active when it is cold. However, a blacklegged tick, which is notorious for carrying Lyme disease, are active as long as the temperature stays above freezing.
There's also a winter tick. This species hatches in the late summer months when temperatures fall and remain active through winter. It's usually found on deer and moose and will spend an entire life on a single host.
Helpful Tips to Protect Yourself from Ticks this Winter
Since ticks are out and about during the colder months of the year, it's up to you to protect yourself and your pets. You can do this by getting your dog a tick repellent collar, and you can wear tick repellant clothing that's been treated with permethrin. This is especially important if you plan on being in the woods.
You should also regularly check yourself and your pets for ticks. Removing them is the best way to prevent them from causing serious problems.
If you are unsure if there's a tick on your clothing, put them in a hot dryer for about five to 10 minutes. Do this before you wash the clothes because it will kill them before going into your washing machine.
Remember, since there are some species of tick that remain active, take proactive steps to protect yourself and your pet. These tips will help you with this.
Taking Out Ticks this Winter
No one wants to have to deal with a tick. There are some who believe when colder weather arrives in Virginia and Maryland they are safe. Unfortunately, as seen from the information here, that's not entirely true.
While some tick species may be dormant, others aren't. As a result, take steps to ensure everyone remains tick-free.
It's also a good idea to contact us. We can provide tick repellent services and offer advice and guidance on how you can avoid tick-related issues.
