The Winter Myth That Puts People at Risk

Many assume freezing temperatures wipe out ticks. As a Lyme disease specialist, I can tell you this isn’t the case. Ticks survive winter in the Northeast by sheltering under leaves, soil, and snow, allowing them to reemerge as soon as conditions warm.

This means Lyme disease is not just a summer problem.

Why Ticks Survive Winter in the Northeast

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the main carriers of Lyme disease, are remarkably resilient. They do not die simply because the thermometer dips. Instead, they:

1. Enter a dormant, low-metabolic state
2. Shelter in damp, protected areas
3. Benefit from insulation provided by snow and leaf litter

Moisture is more important than temperature. In snowy winters, overwintering ticks are better protected than in dry conditions.

Snow: Nature’s Insulation

Snow works like a protective blanket. Just a few inches stabilize ground temperatures, preventing ticks from freezing.

• Adults and nymphs survive beneath snow cover

• Larvae overwinter in protected areas and emerge as nymphs in spring

• Studies in the Northeast estimate survival rates of 50–80%

When we talk about ticks in snow, we are describing a survival strategy — not a death sentence.

Are Ticks Active in Cold Weather?

Ticks do not fully hibernate. On days above 35–40°F, they may climb vegetation and search for a host.

Hunters, hikers, pet owners, and even backyard gardeners can encounter them during these winter thaws. I have diagnosed patients with Lyme disease in every season—including January and February. Winter Lyme disease risk is real.

Why This Matters for Year-Round Prevention

1. Winter does not reset the tick population
2. Snowy winters often improve survival
3. High survival rates mean larger nymph populations in late spring — the peak season for Lyme transmission

These dynamics explain why Lyme cases often surge following milder, snowier winters.

Protecting Yourself in Every Season

Prevention remains critical—even in February:

1. Perform tick checks after outdoor activity
2. Clear leaf litter and brush piles from yards
3. Protect pets with veterinarian-recommended tick preventives
4. Seek medical evaluation promptly for symptoms of Lyme disease

Did You Know?

Snow doesn’t kill ticks—it protects them. That’s why ticks survive winter in the Northeast and Lyme risk persists year-round.

FAQs

Do ticks die in freezing temperatures?

Not usually. Even in extreme cold, ticks shelter under leaves, soil, or snow, which insulates them from freezing.

Can you get Lyme disease in the winter?

Yes. Ticks become active during mild spells when temperatures rise above 35–40°F. Lyme disease has been documented in every season.

Where do ticks go in winter?

Most hide under leaves, brush, or snow. Some remain attached to wildlife such as deer or mice during warmer days, allowing them to feed and survive.

Clinical Takeaway

Cold weather does not eliminate Lyme disease risk. Ticks survive winter in the Northeast, and patients should remain vigilant throughout the year. Awareness, prevention, and timely treatment remain just as important in winter as in summer.

Related Articles:

High number of Lyme disease diagnoses through the winter in England

Powassan virus encephalitis contracted during winter months

Can pets harbor ticks, even in the winter?