There is a noticeable lack of pests and insects during the winter. While some populations go into a hibernating state called “diapause,” others die off completely. A few species, however, remain active even in the coldest months of the year. Even though ticks aren’t as noticeable in the wintertime as they are in the summertime in Bristol TN, they are still present. Bite frequency is low because many ticks, including deer ticks, enter diapause or latch onto a host to wait out the cold. That said, bites—and disease transmission—can still happen. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for ticks, especially when you least expect them. Find out more about the tick life cycle from the professionals at Ja-Roy Pest Control!

What is a Tick’s Life Cycle?

Ticks can live for two to three years. During this time, they undergo four primary stages of life: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Their life cycle is heavily influenced by the seasons:

  1. Adult female ticks lay their eggs in the spring at the end of their lives. One tick can lay thousands of translucent-looking eggs, which are found in clusters under leaves, bushes, and more.
  2. In the summer, tick eggs hatch into six-legged larvae. Larvae rarely are infectious and will transition into nymphs after feeding on their first host.
  3. During the winter, nymph ticks are most active when the temperature exceeds 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The nymphs are mostly dormant during these cold months and shelter under leaf litter.
  4. After feeding on a host for four to five days, nymphs become adult ticks. During the spring, summer, and fall, these adult ticks will feed and mate before reaching the end of their lifespan.

Can Ticks Transmit Disease in the Winter?

Winter ticks are generally dormant, or nymphs, so bites during that time are rare. When temperatures fall below 37 degrees Fahrenheit, adult ticks that are unable to locate hosts retreat beneath leaf litter or other surface vegetation, becoming inactive. Unless there has been an unusually warm winter, adult ticks will resume searching for hosts in late February or early March. There is a chance you could still be bitten by a tick if winter temperatures are mild. Since it’s possible to get infected by a tick even in the winter, it’s imperative to stay vigilant about preventing tick bites.

Seasonal Tick Control Services

Leo’s Pest Control knows ticks and the diseases they transmit are major concerns. Tick control experts are standing by to help you if you are concerned about ticks on your Bristol TN property. Let us know how we can help!

Are Ticks Active in the Winter? in Bristol TN

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