Are ticks out in the winter? Tick bites and Lyme disease infections can still occur in winter. Unfortunately, misinformation has allowed many to believe that this isn’t true. The result? Delayed diagnosis and treatment. Ticks hide in leaves, foliage, and on pets year-round, so knowing how to protect yourself is key to prevention. For the best outcome, spot the symptoms and advocate for your health.
It is easy to assume that ticks disappear when the cold winter weather hits, taking the risk of tick-borne illnesses with them. This leads to unexpected exposures and delayed diagnoses. Ticks may be tiny, but they are resilient enough to keep Lyme disease risk prevalent even when the temperature drops.
Since knowledge can lead to prevention, let’s clear up confusion and talk about the facts—how ticks survive winter and what you can do to protect yourself every season.
Where Do Ticks Go in the Winter?
We have treated many patients with Lyme disease infections that stemmed from a bite during the winter, because they weren’t aware that ticks could be active during this cold season.
So, what happens to ticks when winter comes?
First of all, ticks do not die off because the weather gets cold. Rather, their level of activity will depend on things like the temperature and location. They prefer temperatures above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, such as on those mild winter days, and thrive in areas with such climates. Nonetheless, snowy areas can insulate ticks and protect them from the extreme cold so that they may re-emerge later.
You can find ticks in the winter just as you would in the summer—burrowing under leaf matter, hiding in soil or mulch, and even attached to animal hosts.
Risk of Lyme Disease is Lower in the Winter
Lyme disease infections are still possible in the winter; however, the risk is reduced. You must understand that this does not mean there is no risk at all. All too often, patients and doctors fall victim to the misconception that ticks aren’t around during this cold season. So, a Lyme infection is often not suspected, and a wrong diagnosis is provided.
This can be dangerous.
What Increases Winter Risk of Lyme Exposure?
There are a few factors that can determine just how at-risk you are in the winter. While the below may be more common, they are not the only ways to come in contact with infected ticks throughout the season.
Outdoor activities. Spending time outdoors when the weather gets cooler is not unusual. Hiking, hunting, gardening, or doing yard work around your house can all place you at risk for contact with an infected tick.
Pets. Letting dogs outside can mean bringing ticks inside. As they dive into leaves, roll around on the grass, or simply go for a walk, dogs are commonly hosts. Cats, too. Be sure to check them for ticks before they come back in the house.
Travel. If you travel to areas where winter is milder, ticks may be more active, and your risk of infection could increase.
Reasons Why Winter Tick Bites Go Unnoticed
Sometimes symptoms will appear weeks or months after a bite. This can explain why Lyme exposure doesn’t always come with a winter connection, as too much time passes between them.
Of course, before you even have symptoms, you have to notice the tick. And, since they prefer to hide, they aren’t always found right away. On the body, ticks can be found anywhere, commonly in the armpits, scalp or hairline, behind the knees, in the groin area, or around the waistband.
One significant problem is that winter weather warrants more clothing. Hats, gloves, layers, and so on can make it harder to notice tick bites, especially if you are not intentionally looking for them. What’s more, experiencing joint pain due to the cold, fatigue thanks to shorter days, and brain fog due to the seasonal stress can all be dismissed as common symptoms throughout this time of year.
When caught early, most Lyme disease cases can be treated with a round of antibiotics. However, at our clinic, many patients have stories of misdiagnosis due to these reasons, along with the assumption that ticks aren’t around in winter.
Lyme Disease Symptoms Have Nothing to Do With the Season
We cannot stress enough how much Lyme disease does not follow a calendar or your local weather report. Just because your symptoms do not align with when tick bites are most prevalent does not mean the possibility should be ignored.
The signs you experience may include:
- Fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Cognitive issues, such as brain fog
- Sleep disturbances
- Neurological symptoms
Lyme disease symptoms often come and go, making it harder to attain a proper diagnosis. This is why awareness is of the utmost importance.
Winter Prevention is Key
Do not let your guard down when the temperature falls. The prevention measures you take during other times of the year should remain in effect when it is colder outside. Make it part of your routine when you spend time outdoors.
Dress appropriately with long sleeves and pants, tucking the latter into socks when possible. Topping off your attire with tick repellent is always a great idea, too.
Any pets that spend time outdoors should be checked every day. They often serve as hosts for ticks and can easily bring them right into your home, putting everyone in your family at risk. Even if your pet takes a dose of tick prevention medication regularly, it is wise to continue this practice.
Keep your yard clear of leaf litter and debris. By not giving ticks an ideal place to hang out, you can add to your prevention strategy.
Finally, always check yourself for ticks.
Empower Yourself to Take Action
Lyme disease is not going to wait until summer to make an appearance. Learning that winter exposure is possible gives you the chance to better protect yourself and your loved ones. So, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms and suspect this tick-borne illness, take action. Get the right answers without making assumptions.
At Lyme Mexico Clinic, we specialize in identifying and treating complex Lyme cases with individualized care. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand and find alternate treatments that will give you relief.
Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.