When we think about pest problems in the winter, we often picture rodents scurrying through our crawl spaces or ants sneaking through cracks in the wall for warmth and food. We don’t often think we have to watch out for pests outdoors, especially when it’s cold and rainy out. However, ticks are one of the most resilient pests in Lubbock TX, making do outdoors even in the harshest season. If you’re wondering why you’ve seen ticks this winter and what you can do to avoid them, read on for advice from our technicians at D’s Pest Control!

When is Tick Season?

Ticks are one of the most worrisome pests in the summer. They sneak up on us or our pets from the tall grass or dense woods to feed on our blood. What’s worse, it can be difficult to find them on our skin or our pets without actively looking for them. Ticks are most active in the spring and summer because hot and humid climates provide them with ample hosts, favorable temperatures, and hydration.

So, if heat and humidity are crucial conditions for them, do ticks die in the winter? Although winter is tougher for ticks, they make do however they can, and do so surprisingly well. Here are the ways they adapt to the cold:

They will latch onto any host they can find for extended periods of time, feeding off of them and hiding in their fur.
When they can’t find a host, they will look for piles of leaves or other plant matter to hide in for shelter.
Certain species of ticks will burrow underground for an extra layer of insulation and protection.

Our Tips for Avoiding Winter Ticks

Ticks have some trouble navigating outdoors to find hosts when the temperatures drop below 45 degrees and the ground is covered in water or snow. That said, they are still able to sneak around with limited capacity to find humans and animals to feed on. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from winter tick problems:

Keep yard waste at a minimum. Dispose of your leaves when you rake them up instead of leaving a leaf pile. All yard debris can serve as a temporary shelter for ticks.
Check your pets for ticks. When you take your dog on a walk, let them outside, or go on a hike yourself, check for ticks before coming back inside. Ticks can bite you without you noticing because of the anesthetic saliva they inject into your skin.
Ask your local tick exterminators for help. The best way to protect your property from ticks is to have a professional tick barrier treatment set up.

Professional Tick Control for Winter in Lubbock TX

Here in Lubbock TX, deer ticks have the ability to spread Lyme disease to humans. Our warmer winters create an easier environment to thrive in, too, which makes it important to team up with your local pest control company to keep them at bay. At D’s Pest Control, we know the uneasiness that comes with having ticks around, so we work hard to develop a custom pest control plan for you. To learn more about our tick extermination services and receive a free quote, contact us today!