Ticks are found across many regions of the United States, including Idaho. Although their activity increases during warm months, winter does not eliminate them. Understanding how ticks survive cold weather helps homeowners protect their families and pets during every season.
Below is a clear overview of how ticks behave in winter and what Idaho residents should know.
Are Ticks Still Active in the Winter?
Ticks remain active in winter whenever temperatures rise above freezing. They do not die off simply because conditions get cold. Instead, they slow down and shelter in protected areas such as leaf litter, grass thatch, brush piles, and wooded edges.
Key points about winter activity:
- Ticks enter a survival state when conditions are very cold
- Activity resumes during warmer daytime periods
- They continue to search for hosts whenever conditions allow
- Pets often bring winter ticks into the home without anyone realizing it
Ticks also survive winter by remaining attached to wildlife. Deer, rodents, and other hosts keep ticks warm enough to live until spring.
How Ticks Reach Homes During Winter
Ticks can:
- Transfer to pets that wander outdoors
- Attach to clothing or boots
- Overwinter on wildlife that enter yards
- Shelter in protected vegetation that remains unfrozen
Even with snow present, ticks survive underneath loose soil, leaves, and shaded landscaping.
Tick Borne Diseases in Winter
Tick borne illnesses do not disappear in winter. Transmission risk remains whenever ticks can feed long enough on a host.
Diseases that can still be transmitted during mild winter days include:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Tick paralysis (from certain species)
Tick paralysis is caused by neurotoxins released during feeding. Signs in pets can include:
- Weakness or loss of coordination
- Difficulty standing
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble breathing
Any suspected tick related illness requires immediate veterinary attention.
How to Reduce Tick Risks During Idaho Winters
Here are effective winter prevention steps:
1. Protect pets
Use veterinarian approved tick prevention products. These may include:
- Monthly topical treatments
- Oral medications
- Tick prevention collars
Pets that go outside should be checked regularly, even in winter.
2. Dress appropriately outdoors
In wooded or brushy areas:
- Tuck pants into socks
- Wear long sleeves
- Choose light colored clothing to spot ticks easily
These simple steps greatly reduce exposure.
3. Maintain your yard
Even during cold months:
- Clear leaf piles and debris
- Keep landscaping trimmed
- Reduce rodent activity, which provides additional hosts for ticks
4. Remove ticks properly
If you find a tick attached:
- Use fine pointed tweezers
- Grasp the tick close to the skin
- Pull straight upward slowly
- Wash the area afterward
Removing a tick within 24 hours greatly reduces disease transmission.
5. Professional tick control
A winter or early spring treatment can reduce emerging tick populations and protect yard areas commonly used by pets and children.
Winter Tick Control for Idaho Homes
Ticks in Idaho can survive all year outdoors, and mild winter periods allow them to remain active. A consistent prevention plan reduces the risk of bites and exposure to tick borne diseases.
If you are finding ticks on your pets, in your yard, or inside your home, trained professionals can identify hiding areas, create a treatment plan, and reduce tick activity throughout the season.