Can a flash freeze work in our favor against ticks?

At the time of this writing, Massachusetts is under a winter storm warning.  This means different things for different parts of our state.  Some temperatures are below freezing, others are hovering right above.  Can a winter storm, a flash freeze specifically, kill ticks?

What is a flash freeze exactly?

A flash freeze is simply explained.  Areas, where temperatures were (or are) right above 32°F, woke up to rain this morning.  A cold rain, but rain nonetheless.  A flash freeze happens when the above-freezing temperature falls below freezing, causing precipitation that is on the ground and other surfaces to freeze.  The glaze produced by this weather event is extremely slippery and spells bad news for commuters.  But is a flash freeze bad for ticks?

Winter weather does not kill ticks.

The type of winter weather we have in Massachusetts, though cold and uncomfortable, is not enough to kill ticks.  Over the past decade or more, black-legged tick populations have grown and thrived, much in part due to the warming climate here and everywhere.  And even though ticks thrive in warm climes, they are hearty enough to survive the winter, unless that winter delivers sustained days of extreme cold.  If you are thinking that today’s winter weather will help reduce the number of ticks in Massachusetts, think again.  Ticks will survive a flash freeze.  And as for snow, well, it can help insulate ticks, which are burrowed beneath the soil, bedded down for the season.

Tick control is as essential as ever.

There is no need to call off the assault, because you will still need to make a concerted effort to kill ticks around your home this spring, summer, and fall.  As nice as it would be to count on Mother Nature to eliminate ticks for us, she is not in the tick control business in Massachusetts these days.  This is not all bad news, because professional tick control companies are gearing up for their spring season.  What’s more, there are steps you can take to help your property become less appealing to ticks.  Spring is the time for renewal and outdoor maintenance projects.  Be sure to follow the 6 C’s of tick control as you take care of lawn maintenance and install new landscaping.

What are the 6 C’s of tick control?

1. Clear out
2. Clean
3. Choose plants
4. Check hiding places
5. Care for family pets
6. Call the tick control pros

Also read: How bad are ticks in Massachusetts?