During the winter, many pests and insects seemingly disappear. Some go into a hibernation-like state called “diapause” while some populations die off completely. However, there are a few that remain active even during the coldest months of the year. While you may not see them as often as you would in the summertime here in Louisiana, ticks are very much still around in the wintertime. Bites are less common as many ticks, especially the deer tick, go into diapause or latches onto a host to wait out the cold days in wait for the summertime. This makes it important to remain vigilant against ticks, especially when you least expect them. Read on to learn more about the unique tick life cycle with the experts at Ja-Roy Pest Control!
Tick Life Cycle
Some ticks can live for upwards of two to three years. During this time, they go through four primary stages of life: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Their life cycle is greatly impacted by the seasons:
- In the springtime, adult female ticks lay their eggs at the end of their lifespan. One tick can lay thousands of translucent-looking eggs, which are found in clusters under leaves, bushes, and more.
- Tick eggs hatch in the summer and become six-legged larvae. Larvae rarely are infectious and will transition into nymphs after feeding on their first host.
- Nymph ticks are most common in the winter and can be active when the weather is above 37 degrees Fahrenheit. During these cold months, nymphs are mostly dormant and take shelter under leaf litter.
- Nymphs become adult ticks after feeding on a host for four to five days. During the spring, summer, and fall, these adult ticks will feed and mate before reaching the end of their lifespan.
Can Ticks Still Bite in the Winter?
Considering many ticks in the winter are dormant, or nymph ticks, bites in the winter are rare. During winter, adult ticks unable to locate hosts retreat underneath leaf litter or other surface vegetation, becoming inactive in temperatures below 37 degrees Fahrenheit. With the exception of unusually warm winters, adult ticks will begin to become active again in late February or early March, when they will resume their quest for a host. If winter temperatures are milder, there is a chance you could still be bitten by a tick. Due to the risk of getting bitten by an infected tick, it’s imperative to remain vigilant about preventing ticks, even in the winter!
Year-Round Tick Control
At Ja-Roy Pest Control, we know ticks and the diseases they transmit are a major cause for concern. If you are worried about ticks in your Covington LA property, our tick control experts are standing by to help. Contact us today!
Do Ticks Hibernate in Southern Louisiana?
Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.
