Beware of Ticks: Staying Safe as Snow Melts

With the snow melting and temperatures rising, it's hard to resist getting back outside — whether it's hiking, walking the dog, or playing in the yard with the kids. But don’t let the cooler weather fool you — ticks can still be active, even in late winter and early spring. Here’s what you need to know about tick season, tick control, and how to protect yourself year-round.

When Do Ticks Become Active?

Most people associate tick season with summer — and for good reason. Ticks are most active during the warmer months, posing the highest risk of spreading diseases like Lyme disease. But that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down in early spring. As soon as temperatures rise above 45–50°F, ticks become active and start searching for a host. Even mild winter afternoons and early spring days can bring hidden dangers.

Tick Activity by Season

• Winter: Some ticks, like deer ticks, remain active as long as temperatures are above freezing.
• Spring: Ticks that survived the winter become active, and female ticks start laying eggs.
• Summer & Fall: Peak tick season, with the highest risk of bites and disease transmission.

Understanding tick behavior is key to knowing your risks, and so is understanding the tick life cycle.

Why Are Ticks Active in Cold Weather?

Ticks love temperatures above freezing, but even when it’s chilly, ticks can survive and thrive. Here’s why:

• Tick Species: Some types, like deer ticks, are especially resilient in cooler weather.
• Mild Winters: Warmer winter days allow ticks to stay active longer.
• Available Hosts: Tick activity is known to increase when there are hosts available.
• Leaf Litter: Yard waste such as leaf litter and tall grass could provide insulation, keeping ticks warm.

Protect Yourself from Ticks with These Tips

Many people assume ticks are only a problem in the deep woods or on hiking trails. However, most tick bites happen in backyards. Before heading outdoors, even in the early spring, take precautions:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors.
• Avoid brushy areas where ticks like to hide.
• Use EPA-approved tick repellent on skin and clothing.
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease.
• Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, your kids, and your pets after outdoor activities.

Tick-Proof Your Yard

Since ticks thrive in certain environments, simple yard maintenance can go a long way to reducing your risk:

• Remove leaf piles
• Keep your grass cut short
• Prune shrubs and plants
• Store wood piles off the ground and away from your home

When Should You Start Tick Control?

You might think it’s still too cold to think about tick control, but it’s not. The best time to start tick control is in the early spring, before tick populations explode. Professional tick treatments, like those from Ford’s Hometown Services, can help prevent infestations before they get out of hand.