When temperatures drop and the mosquitoes finally disappear, many Maryland homeowners assume they’re safe from biting pests until spring. Unfortunately, that’s not quite true—ticks are still active during the winter months.
Even when it’s cold outside, certain tick species remain a threat to your family and pets. Here’s why you shouldn’t let your guard down this winter.
🕷️ Do Ticks Really Survive the Winter?
Yes, they do! While some pests die off or go dormant when the temperatures fall, ticks have evolved to survive cold weather.
In Maryland, species like the black-legged tick (deer tick)—known for spreading Lyme disease—can remain active anytime temperatures are above freezing. Even on mild winter days, these ticks will crawl out of leaf litter or tall grass in search of a host.
Ticks that don’t feed during winter often hide in sheltered spots like:
Leaf piles
Wooded brush
Tall grass or shrubs
Animal dens and nests
They may become sluggish when it’s below freezing, but they’re far from gone.
❄️ Maryland’s Milder Winters Mean More Active Ticks
Over the past decade, Maryland has experienced warmer, shorter winters, which has made tick activity more unpredictable. According to the Maryland Department of Health, tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis remain a concern even during the colder months.
That means if you’re outside hiking, working in the yard, or playing with pets, you could still encounter ticks in the winter.
🐾 Winter Tick Risks for Pets and Wildlife
Ticks don’t just target humans—they can also attach to dogs, cats, and wildlife during winter. Your pet’s warm fur provides an ideal environment for ticks to latch on and feed.
Even a short walk through tall grass or wooded areas can lead to ticks hitching a ride indoors, where they may survive longer than expected. This makes winter tick prevention for pets just as important as it is during summer.
For more guidance, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for pet tick safety tips.
🏡 How to Protect Your Family from Winter Ticks
You don’t have to wait for spring to take action. Follow these steps to reduce winter tick exposure around your home:
Keep lawns and brush trimmed to remove potential tick habitats.
Rake up and dispose of leaf litter, especially around wooded edges.
Check pets and clothing after spending time outdoors.
Use tick preventatives year-round—many veterinarians recommend this for Maryland pets.
Schedule a winter tick inspection with a professional pest control company.
🌿 Why Winter Tick Control Makes Sense
Even if tick populations slow down during the coldest months, preventive treatments applied in winter can reduce activity in early spring. When you maintain a consistent tick control plan, you break their life cycle and keep your property safer all year long.
At Mosquito Sheriff we offer eco-friendly, effective tick control services designed for Maryland’s climate—helping protect your family, pets, and property every season.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your winter tick protection service and stay safe all year long.
Conclusion
So, are ticks active in winter?
Absolutely. While they may be less visible, ticks can still bite, feed, and spread disease during mild Maryland winters. Staying proactive now means fewer pests—and fewer health risks—later.
Don’t wait for spring to protect your family. Stay protected, stay informed, and stay tick-free all winter long.