At what temperature do ticks die: how do bloodsuckers manage to survive in a harsh winter
Ticks actively feed and multiply at positive temperatures. They feed on the blood of humans and animals. But as soon as the air temperature drops, the females hide for the winter in fallen leaves, cracks in the bark, in firewood prepared for the winter, they can get into a human dwelling and spend the winter there. But not only subzero, but also high air temperatures have a detrimental effect on the parasite, and it is interesting to know at what temperature the tick dies and in what conditions it is comfortable for it to live.
Content
Tick activity period: when does it start and how long does it last
As soon as the air temperature rises above +3 degrees in spring, the life processes of ticks begin to work, they begin to look for a source of food. All the time, while the temperature is above zero, they lead an active lifestyle. But in winter, significant changes occur in their body.
Diapauses in the life of ticks
Diapause is an intermediate state between hibernation and suspended animation. Ticks are in this state for long winter months, thanks to this they do not die.
During this period, they do not feed, all life processes slow down, and the parasites receive the minimum amount of oxygen necessary for life. They can even stay in this state for several years, if the parasite accidentally got into an area where the temperature does not rise above zero degrees for a long time. And under favorable conditions, get out of diapause and continue their life cycle.
How ticks hibernate
Ticks with the onset of cold weather, try to find secluded places to hide and spend the winter. They hide in the litter of foliage, choosing areas that are not blown by the wind, where a thick layer of snow lies for a long time.
In winter, arachnids do not feed, do not move, and do not reproduce.
In subtropical and tropical climates, they do not hibernate, but feed and breed throughout the season.
What danger to humans and animals are hibernating parasites
Ticks feed on blood and look for a source of food in warm weather.
Can ticks be active in winter
In winter, ticks can be active when a thaw occurs, the air temperature rises, they wake up and immediately go in search of a food source. In nature, it can be wild animals, birds, rodents.
Accidentally getting from the street into a warm room, the tick activates all vital processes, and it immediately looks for a source of food. It could be a pet or a person.
A case of a tick bite in winter
A young man came to one of the trauma centers in Moscow with a tick bite. The doctors helped, pulled out the parasite and asked where the young man could find a tick in winter. From his story we learned that he likes to go hiking and spend the night in a tent. And in the winter I decided to put the tent in order, to prepare for the summer season. He took it to the apartment, cleaned it, mended it, and took it back to the garage for storage. In the morning I found a tick stuck in my leg. Once in the heat from the cold garage, the parasite woke up and immediately went to look for a power source.
Winter activity of forest ticks in different climatic zones
The activity of ticks depends on the environment, since they are not able to maintain their own body temperature. And it depends on the indicators of temperature and humidity in the habitat whether they develop faster or slower.
At a temperature of +20 degrees and a humidity of 55-80%, they develop rapidly and several generations of ticks may appear during the season. Sexually mature females go for wintering in the southern regions later than in the northern ones. This usually happens in October-November. In temperate climates, ticks can live 4-6 years.
In a tropical and subtropical climate, ticks are constantly active, since even in winter there is a positive temperature, they feed and breed all year round, and their lifespan in such conditions is reduced to 1 year.
Natural factors that have a negative impact on the survival of parasites in the cold season
The amount of snow affects the survival of parasites in winter. If it is enough, they do not freeze in a warm litter under a layer of snow. But if there is no snow cover and severe frosts last for a while, then ticks can die.
It is interesting that 30% of larvae and nymphs that have begun to winter, and 20% of adults die in the absence of snow cover. Hungry ticks endure the winter period better than those that have fed on blood before hibernation.
At what temperature do ticks die?
Ticks survive at temperatures around freezing, but they are in an inactive state. Parasites can not stand frost, high temperature and low humidity. In winter at -15 degrees, and in summer at a temperature of +60 degrees and humidity below 50%, they die within a few hours.
Previous