Despite the snowy winter in Nova Scotia, experts caution that tick populations may not decrease as expected. Researchers explain that deep and long-lasting snow can actually provide insulation for ticks, helping them survive the cold temperatures. Laura Ferguson, from Acadia University, anticipates that a significant portion of ticks have likely survived the winter and will reemerge soon.
While there were some cold spells earlier in the season, the sustained cold temperatures that effectively kill ticks occurred after the snow had already protected them. Ticks typically seek sheltered areas under leaf litter during winter and can survive for months without feeding. Extreme cold temperatures below –10 C can cause mortality, especially without the insulation of snow or leaf cover.
Jantina Toxopeus, an associate professor at St. Francis Xavier University, noted that ticks can freeze at temperatures below –15 C but adapt better to gradual temperature changes. Despite extreme cold snaps in the past, the tick population in Nova Scotia has remained resilient.
Ferguson expects this year’s tick season to be similar to previous years due to the hardiness of the tick population. Despite the snowy winter, ticks are expected to thrive, and the snow cover is more beneficial than harmful to their survival.