“It’s Too Cold for Ticks” — Why This Lyme Myth Is Dangerous
When one of my patients developed Lyme disease symptoms in January, she was told, “It’s too cold for ticks — it can’t be Lyme.”
That statement is one of the most common and dangerous misconceptions in tick-borne illness. The phrase “too cold for ticks” leads to missed winter diagnoses every year.
The truth is simple: it is rarely truly too cold for ticks
Whenever temperatures rise above freezing, ticks can become active. Blacklegged (deer) ticks don’t die off in winter—they go dormant, then re-emerge as soon as conditions allow.
Is It Really Too Cold for Ticks?
Ticks don’t follow calendars.
Research shows that deer ticks can remain active at temperatures as low as 35–40°F, surviving winter months beneath leaf litter, brush, and snow cover. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that blacklegged ticks can be active during winter warm spells when temperatures rise above freezing
They are most active in fall and early spring, but during mild winters they may emerge in January or February. In southern regions, tick activity can continue year-round.
In simple terms: ticks don’t disappear in winter—they wait for warmer moments.
Why the “Too Cold for Ticks” Myth Matters
Believing it’s too cold for ticks leads directly to delayed diagnosis and missed cases of Lyme disease.
Every winter, patients are told their symptoms can’t be Lyme because of the season—only to be diagnosed months later, when treatment is more complicated and symptoms have spread.
If you’ve had outdoor exposure—even routine activities like dog walking, yard work, wood cutting, or hiking—the season should never rule out Lyme disease.
This misconception reflects a broader pattern of medical dismissal, where symptoms are minimized instead of fully investigated.
The Science Behind Winter Tick Survival
Ticks are remarkably resilient. Studies show:
- Nymph and adult deer ticks can survive weeks of subfreezing temperatures
- Leaf litter, snow cover, and moisture create insulation that prevents lethal cold exposure
- On sunny winter days above ~40°F, ticks resume “questing”—climbing vegetation to find a host
That’s why tick checks matter all year, not just in summer.
Key Takeaway
It is not too cold for ticks—even in February.
Ticks can be active anytime temperatures rise above freezing, and Lyme disease can begin with one unnoticed bite, even in winter.Year-round awareness is essential for preventing chronic Lyme disease.
If symptoms follow outdoor exposure, Lyme disease should remain on the diagnostic radar—regardless of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ever too cold for ticks? Ticks become dormant in freezing temperatures but don’t die. They can become active whenever temperatures rise above 35–40°F, even in winter.
Can you get Lyme disease in winter? Yes. If a tick is active and infected, it can transmit Lyme disease regardless of the season.
When are ticks most active? Peak activity is typically spring and fall, but ticks can be active year-round in mild climates or during winter warm spells.
Should I do tick checks in winter? Yes—especially after outdoor activities on warmer winter days. Tick checks should be a year-round habit.
What should I do if I’m told it’s the wrong season for Lyme? If you have symptoms consistent with Lyme disease and a history of outdoor exposure, the season should not rule out evaluation. Consider seeking a second opinion.
