DO FLEAS AND TICKS BITE IN THE WINTER?
They sure do! While these pests thrive in humid, warm conditions, they can also live (and bite!) throughout the winter.
It’s true they cannot endure freezing weather for extended periods, but they often find ways to survive anyway. In fact, some species of ticks are most active in winter. Adult blacklegged ticks, for example, take their first blood meals during late fall or early winter. The winter tick is another especially durable individual, living exclusively during the year’s coldest months.
HOW DO FLEAS AND TICKS SURVIVE THE WINTER?
Whether hiding in leaf litter, attaching to a warm host, or overwintering in a garage or animal den, fleas and ticks have several methods for surviving freezing conditions.
Going dormant on a host or under brush is actually a tick’s primary means of remaining alive through winter. Fleas, however, mostly seek warmth in shelters or hosts—like inside your home or on your pet.
DO I STILL NEED TO TREAT FOR FLEAS AND TICKS IN THE WINTER?
Absolutely! Regardless of your environment, we suggest protecting your pets, home, lawn, and yourself from fleas and ticks year-round until freezing temps become consistent. The risks are simply too great. Halting pest prevention, even for just a few weeks, can have frightening results.
A single flea slipping through the cracks can lead to a full blown flea population in no time. Ticks are another matter entirely—we all know how dangerous they can be.
HOW CAN I PROTECT AGAINST FLEAS AND TICKS?
Prevention is your best friend when it comes to pest control. First, you need to ensure your home and yard are inhospitable to fleas and ticks. Start by removing all sources of clutter and debris from your lawn—this is where fleas and ticks will likely hide during cold snaps.
For outdoor protection, use the Bug-Free Lawn Kit monthly to protect you, your family, pets, home and lawn from harmful bugs and dangerous bites. Apply all year-round unless your area experiences freezing conditions for several consecutive weeks. For warmer climates, we strongly advise applying all 12 months of the year. For your first application each year, we suggest applying twice, two weeks apart, and then just once a month after that.
For indoor prevention, spray possible trouble areas and entry points—like doorways, window sills, pet bedding, carpeting, rugs, baseboards, attics, basements, etc—with family-safe Cedarcide Original weekly to create a repellent barrier against fleas, ticks and other unwanted bugs.
For you and your pets, apply Cedarcide Original as needed before enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or visiting the dog park. For basic flea & tick prevention, apply Cedarcide Original every other day or more often as needed.