Increased Tick Activity = Melting Snow + Warmer Temperatures

While spring hasn't arrived yet, it's never too early to start looking for ticks. Ticks, according to conventional opinion, are killed by a cold winter and a lot of snow. As the snow melts and the temperatures begin to rise, it may appear that we are secure from the little critters, but this is not always the case. Ticks may be protected from the extreme cold needed to kill them, according to a study conducted by epidemiologists a few years ago. As a result, when the snow melts, deer ticks may be in abundance. What, on the other hand, does snowfall have to do with ticks? While not all climates are the same, the general idea is that melting snow and rising temps may enhance tick activity in ways that people aren't expecting. It's more vital than ever to check yourself, your family, and your pets for ticks after being outside when the snow melts and the temperatures rise. Even though it isn't officially "tick season," tick activity is on the rise.

Is There a Higher Chance of Ticks Surviving the Winter?

The short answer is yes, though there will be some variance from year to year. More ticks are surviving through the winter as a result of climate change and global warming, resulting in earlier tick seasons and more ticks. Climate change has a considerable impact on the dissemination and population growth of ticks around the world, according to a 2008 study. In summary, if the winters become shorter, we'll be exposed to a greater number of ticks. The tick population will continue to hunt for people and animals to feed on if the temperatures do not drop below freezing.

Tick populations can be reduced by cold weather, but it must be colder than most people want and for a longer period of time. For a major tick die-off, the temperature must be below 10 degrees for several days in a row. Worse yet, ticks prefer damp conditions, so melting snow is ideal for them. For snowmelt to occur, the temperature must rise above freezing, and ticks need humidity of 85 percent or greater, thus wet melting snow is beneficial to them.

Ticks can be quite damaging to your family's and your pet's health, in addition to giving you that creepy-crawly feeling. As the quantity of ticks increases, so does the danger of infection. It is very important to check yourself, family, and pets after every outing. See how The Eliminator Pest & Property Service can help protect your family!