Ticks can cling to your skin and leave irritating bites. Some carry Lyme disease, which can lead to severe fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that they can get bitten in the winter and don’t take the proper precautions. Here’s what to know about these pests during this season and when to contact an exterminator.

Are Ticks Active in the Winter?

The cold temperature in the winter kills off many bugs, while others go inactive. Ticks hide underground when it’s cold, but they emerge again when the ground temperature is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

This usually happens when the air temperature is about 35 degrees, unless there’s a thick layer of snow on the ground. In Maryland, many days throughout the season are mild enough to wake up ticks, and those mild days often entice people outdoors.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

When going outside on mild winter days, take precautions to prevent being bitten. Use bug spray just as you would in the summer. Tuck the cuffs of your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling inside.

Avoid walking through bushes, tall grass, or branches where ticks may be waiting. Check yourself and your pets thoroughly when you return home, before you go inside.

Also, you can reduce the number of ticks in your yard to make it less likely you’ll be bitten. Fallen leaves on the ground provide an insulating blanket that keeps the ground warm, meaning ticks can wake up sooner. If you rake your leaves carefully each fall, there will be fewer active ticks in the winter.

Also, call an exterminator to have your property treated and get rid of the pests. The exterminator may recommend changes to your property, such as trimming bushes and getting rid of weeds to keep the ticks from coming back.

If you’re worried about ticks on your property, contact the exterminators at Bugout Termite & Pest Control Inc. in Glen Burnie, MD. Serving the Baltimore metro area for over 30 years, this family-owned residential pest control company offers indoor and outdoor bug extermination to keep your property safe and comfortable. Call (410) 760-6065 to schedule an estimate, or visit them online to learn more about tick prevention.