CNY Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance
The Alliance is a collaborative of providers, scientists and community members who support research, drive education and promote awareness to combat tick-borne diseases.
The heavy snow and frigid temperatures are upon us in Central New York, so that must mean the ticks are all freezing to death…right? WRONG!
While it is true that ticks are mostly inactive when temperatures drop below freezing, they do not die off during these bitterly cold winter months. In fact, ticks have several survival tricks up their tiny sleeves—especially the blacklegged tick, also known as the “deer” tick. One strategy they use when temperatures are too cold to quest and feed is known as diapause. This is a period of suspended development that allows ticks to survive long stretches of time without feeding by conserving energy from a prior blood meal.
So, you may not be the only one practicing fasting in the new year! Another key tactic deer ticks use to avoid harsh winter temperatures is moving into protected areas beneath dense leaf litter and shallow soil. These spaces create a microclimate that is insulated by snow cover, keeping temperatures more stable and far more survivable for ticks than the cold air above.
But don’t be fooled—as soon as temperatures rise above freezing, ticks can become active again and begin looking for a meal. Continue to use tick prevention strategies year-round, including EPA-approved repellents, wearing light-colored clothing, and performing thorough tick checks after returning from any outdoor activities.
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Did you know that ticks are still VERY active in the winter? Don't forget to check all winter long! ❄💚
Ticks are remarkably resilient. They survive freezing temperatures by:
👉Insulation: Hiding under "leaf litter" (dead leaves on the forest floor) or deep in the soil where the ground remains slightly warmer.
👉Snow Cover: A layer of snow actually acts as an insulator, protecting the ticks from sub-zero air temperatures.
👉Anti-freeze: Some ticks produce cryoprotectants (similar to antifreeze) in their bodies to prevent their cells from freezing.
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