Where do Ticks Live?
Ticks are little arachnids that are dangerous to humans and pets because they can carry and transmit several harmful illnesses like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. While they are most active in the autumn and spring, they can survive all year long in almost every state in the U.S. It seems like they go away when it gets cold, but they can actually be lurking around nearby. But where do ticks live in the winter, and how do they travel to places where they can survive? MosquitoNix® has all the answers to your questions about ticks so that you can protect yourself, your family and your pets from these opportunistic pests. If you want to beat the enemy, you need to know as much about it as possible. Learn about a tick's habitat, where ticks live and where ticks come from to keep them away from you and your family.
How Long Do Ticks Live?
Ticks live for up to 2 to 3 years, depending on the species and if it is a male or female, and their lifecycle has four stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult. In order to survive and progress to the next stage of life, they must find a host to feed on for a blood meal at each stage. Hosts can include mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. One of the reasons ticks are so aggressive is that they are literally dying to attach themselves to a warm-blooded creature. If they fail to find a host, they will eventually die. Some ticks can live up to 18 months without food, so even if it is cold out or other perfect conditions aren't met, ticks can be there, waiting for the opportunity to feed.
Where Do Ticks Live?
While ticks survive and thrive in 50 states, not all of those ticks carry germs and bacteria that are harmful to humans. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, areas where diseased ticks are most commonly found include the Northeast, the mid-Atlantic, the upper Midwest, as well as some areas along the West Coast. Some species, like the Gulf Coast tick or the Rocky Mountain spotted tick, live in smaller regions, while others have spread throughout the country.
Where ticks live depends on the species. Some ticks like to live in humid and moist environments, such as swamps, beaches, marshes and wooded or grassy areas, and they love a shady spot as much as the next human. They also prefer more populated spots like parks, picnic areas and backyards to be closer to their food source. Frequently, they hide in damp leaf piles, fallen or low-hanging branches and overgrown shrubs. You can find ticks at the local dog park, in your yard, in any tall grass, on the sidewalk, on the walking paths around town and, of course, on animals.
Can Ticks Live Indoors?
Most ticks prefer the outdoors; however, some species are known to lay eggs and nest indoors. One in particular is the brown dog tick, which is often found in dog houses, kennels and other structures where our furry friends spend a lot of time. Soft ticks are another type of indoor pest, frequently found in damp indoor spots where mice infestations occur, including rustic wood cabins and sheds.
While ticks would rather be outside, they can survive indoors as long as they have a host and have fed. Once they are engorged, they can live until the next stage, whether that is inside or outside. If you do find a tick inside, chances are good it hitched a ride on a person or pet who unwittingly brought it home.
Where Do Ticks Live in the Winter?
Many species of tick can survive cold weather and do not need to travel to warmer climates. In most cases, they get through the winter by going dormant or latching onto a host. Winter ticks, for example, hatch between August and September and seek out hosts between September and October. They then stay on their host and feed for the winter.
In a lot of areas, it doesn't get cold enough for the tick to go dormant anymore. That frost that we always looked forward to that would send bugs away for the winter isn't as intense or lasts long enough these days. You can't always rely on the cold weather to rid your yard or other outdoor space of ticks. Generally speaking, if the temperatures stay consistently about 45°F, ticks will be out and about, looking for their next meal. If you live in a place where it stays around that temperature or above, make sure you follow all precautions against ticks and know the number of a good pest control service. Just for fun, ticks do think temps can get too high. Once it hits 85°F or hotter, they don't like that, either. Ticks love the in-between temps, no matter what season the calendar says.
How Can I Protect Myself Against Ticks?
Because many species of tick can live through the winter, make sure you're protected from these pesky pests year round. That means wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants outside and opting for light-colored clothing is even better because it's easier to see a tiny tick. Tuck your pants legs into your socks, and take time to check yourself, your family members and your pets after spending time outdoors to spy any pests before they can feed.
Other things you can do for tick prevention are to wear at least 20% DEET bug spray, keep your yard clean and tidy, mow your grass often, don't neglect other greenery or trees and don't have playground equipment, furniture or other outdoor items near the edges of your space, especially if it backs up to woods.
Working with a professional pest control service is one of the best ways to ensure you and your family are safe, no matter the season. At MosquitoNix, we offer a residential pest control service that covers ticks so you can have peace of mind. A licensed professional will come to your home, perform a comprehensive assessment and create a treatment plan for your and your family's needs. It doesn't matter if you have a weekend event you don't want uninvited guests to come to or want your kids and pets to roam out in the yard without the worry about ticks, a professional service can help with any situation. Contact us today to get started and request a free estimate!
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