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!

In the spring and summertime, ticks are not only one of the most common pests but also the most dangerous. Ticks are infamous for transmitting a number of diseases, namely Lyme disease. The good news is that this transmission is rare: only deer ticks can transmit it, and only some deer ticks are carriers of the disease. However, because there is a risk of tick-borne illness, it’s crucial to learn about safely removing ticks.

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The experts at Leo’s Pest Control are here to share a guide to safely removing ticks from you,a pet, or a family member. Keep reading to learn more!

Lyme Disease & Ticks

Certain deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, carry and spread Lyme disease. These tiny parasitic insects can and will attach to any part of the body but are often found in the groin, scalp, and armpits. Unfortunately, most people are infected through the bites of nymph ticks, who feed in the spring and summertime.

The good news is that when a tick is safely removed within the first 24 hours, the chances of contracting a tick-borne illness are low. It is only when an infected tick has been attached for 36–48 hours can the bacterium be transmitted. You can protect yourself from the potential dangers of a tick bite by learning how to remove and dispose of the tick.

Tick Removal Guide

When it comes to removing a tick, tweezers are the best tool. In fact, the following method is backed by the CDC and the ASPCA. Safely removing ticks is best done by adhering to the following steps:

1. Grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Carefully pull back any hair from the skin surrounding the tick.
2. Firmly grasp the head or mouth of the tick with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. Avoid grasping the tick’s body to the best of your ability, as this could inject the tick’s blood into the skin.
3. Firmly and steadily pull the tick outward in a straight motion. Try to not twist the tweezers, as this could dislodge the head, leaving it embedded in your skin.
4. As soon as the tick is removed, carefully clean the area of the bite, as well as your hands, with soap and water.
5. To safely dispose of the tick, place it in a sealed bag or jar with alcohol. Another option is to flush the tick down the toilet. Do not crush the tick.

If you begin to notice a rash developing or any other symptoms after removing a tick, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Professional Tick Control in Bristol TN

Ticks may be tiny, but they are one of the most dangerous pest problems. Learning how to prevent ticks and how to safely remove them in a timely manner is the key to staying safe from tick-borne illnesses. The experts at Leo’s Pest Control are here to answer any questions you may have about ticks—contact us today!