Ticks with Lyme disease can survive winters

The number of ticks with Lyme disease that make it through the winter is increasing in cold climates.

Many people believe ticks thrive in warm temperatures and die in winter. While many ticks survive winter and can even be active if the temperatures are above freezing and they aren't buried in snow, research suggests black-legged ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, have better chances of surviving through winter. This could be a factor in the growing number of Lyme Disease cases.

In the research, an analysis of ticks with Lyme disease and others was performed over the course of three winters. Researchers found that ticks with Lyme disease were more likely to survive the cold months than others.

Lyme disease may help ticks survive through winter

If there is a direct correlation between Lyme disease and tick survival in winter, the tick population could further increase, one of the researchers involved in the aforementioned study noted.

Meanwhile, the number of Lyme disease cases reported in the United States has tripled over the past 20 years. If ticks are capable of surviving long into winter, they can infect more people than ever before with Lyme disease. Fortunately, with the right approach to tick control, anyone can reduce ticks year-round.

How to combat ticks with Lyme disease

You may be worried about ticks with Lyme disease — and rightfully so. Research indicates nearly 15% of people have experienced or are currently dealing with Lyme disease. You may experience chills, muscle aches, and other symptoms if you get Lyme disease. Worst of all, these symptoms may linger for years.

If you have concerns about ticks at your home or business, here are some tips to help reduce your risk. You can apply a tick repellent to keep ticks off your arms, legs, and other exposed body parts. In addition, it helps to avoid grassy areas since ticks tend to be more prevalent in these spots than others.

Of course, if you want long-lasting tick relief, hiring a tick control company is critical. This company can look at your tick problem and give you personalized tips and recommendations to address it.

How a tick control company delivers year-round tick relief

A tick control company knows what it takes to identify and correct a tick problem. Initially, the company sends tick control technicians to your home or business. These technicians look for trouble areas where ticks populate. They then explain what tick treatment option can help you reduce the tick population on your property.

In many instances, property owners choose a traditional tick control treatment. During this treatment, tick control technicians spray any areas of a property where ticks are present. The treatment limits the tick population, delivering results that last up to three weeks.

Along with traditional treatment, tick control technicians may recommend tick tubes and/or granular treatment for further tick prevention. Tick tubes contain insecticide-treated cotton, which mice collect and use for their nests. Ticks that climb on these mice will eventually be brought to these nests, where the cotton kills them on contact.

If you want best-in-class treatments for tick control, Mosquito Squad of Southeastern MA can help. We can teach you about the 6 C's of tick control and much more. To explore our tick control treatment options or get started, contact us today.