Most homeowners assume ticks die off once temperatures drop—but that’s a dangerous misconception. Yes, you can still get tick bites in winter, especially in areas with mild temperatures, dense vegetation, active wildlife, or warm spells throughout the season.
Ticks are far tougher than they look, and many species remain active even in the coldest months. Here’s what every family, pet owner, and homeowner needs to know about winter tick activity.
Why Ticks Don’t Fully Disappear in Winter
Ticks don’t simply freeze and die when winter arrives. Instead, they use survival strategies that allow them to remain active or dormant depending on the temperature.
❄️ 1. Some Tick Species Stay Active Above Freezing
Blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks) can remain active anytime temperatures are above 40°F (4°C).
This means warm winter days still pose a risk for tick encounters.
❄️ 2. Ticks Hide in Leaf Litter and Brush
Ticks insulate themselves under:
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Leaf piles
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Compost
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Tall grass
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Wooded edges
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Animal bedding
This insulation traps warmth and moisture—exactly what ticks need to survive.
❄️ 3. Wildlife Hosts Keep Ticks Alive
Deer, mice, squirrels, and even outdoor pets continue moving through your yard in winter, carrying ticks with them. These hosts help ticks survive and spread even in cold conditions.
Winter Tick Bite Risks for People and Pets
Even though tick activity slows in winter, the risks remain very real.
🐾 Pets Are Especially Vulnerable
Dogs and outdoor cats can pick up ticks even on short bathroom breaks, especially around:
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Woodlines
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Leaf piles
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Stone walls
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Under decks
Ticks latch on quickly and can transmit disease even in colder weather.
🚶 Homeowners Still Face Exposure
Winter activities like:
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Hiking
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Gathering firewood
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Doing yard cleanup
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Letting pets out
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Walking near tree lines
… can all lead to tick exposure.
Common Tick Species Active in Winter
Blacklegged (Deer) Ticks
The #1 species active during winter warm-ups. Known for spreading:
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Lyme disease
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Anaplasmosis
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Babesiosis
Winter Ticks (Dermacentor albipictus)
Primarily affect large wildlife like deer and moose, but can occasionally be found on pets.
Brown Dog Ticks
Can survive indoors year-round, especially in heated homes, garages, or kennels.
How to Protect Yourself From Winter Tick Bites
Even in winter, proper prevention is important.
1. Keep Using Tick Prevention on Pets
Veterinarians recommend year-round protection. Stopping treatment in winter is a top cause of winter tick infestations.
2. Maintain Your Yard During Winter
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Remove leaf litter
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Keep woodpiles neat
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Clear brush and tall grass
Even winterizing your yard helps reduce tick habitat.
3. Wear the Right Clothing Outdoors
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Tuck pants into boots
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Wear long sleeves
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Choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks
4. Do Winter Tick Checks
Always check:
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Behind ears
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Under arms
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Around waistbands
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On pets, especially around the head and neck
Ticks can latch on within minutes.
Should You Get Winter Tick Treatments?
Absolutely. Winter tick control helps:
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Reduce early-spring tick populations
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Interrupt tick life cycles
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Protect pets and family year-round
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Prevent ticks from overwintering in your yard
Many homeowners see the best results when they treat their property year-round, even when tick activity seems lower.
Contact Us Today!
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CDC – Tick Information
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks -
EPA – Controlling Ticks in Your Yard
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/controlling-ticks-your-yard -
American Veterinary Medical Association – Tick Prevention for Pets
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/tick-borne-disease