If you were optimistic that the ample snowfall in Nova Scotia this winter would lead to a decrease in tick populations, experts caution that this may not be the case.
Contrary to common belief, deep and persistent snow can provide insulation for ticks, aiding in their survival, according to tick researchers.
Laura Ferguson, an assistant professor at Acadia University, explained, “The thick snow cover acts as a protective layer for them, ensuring their survival through the winter.”
She added, “Given the large tick population, it is likely that many ticks have managed to survive this winter, and we can expect their presence again soon.”
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon noted that although Nova Scotia experienced some cold spells earlier in the season, temperatures cold enough to kill ticks did not occur until after the snow had already blanketed the ground.
At the Halifax airport, there was continuous snow cover from January 18 to March 21, lasting for 64 days in total, marking the longest period of snow cover there since the winter of 2020.
Ticks typically seek sheltered areas like beneath leaf litter to endure the winter season without the need for feeding. Their metabolism slows down in frigid temperatures, making them less mobile even if a potential host passes by.
Ferguson mentioned that ticks can survive for extended periods in temperatures ranging from 0°C to -5°C. However, consistent temperatures below -10°C, without the protective cover of snow or leaf litter, can lead to mortality, as can rapid temperature fluctuations.
Internal ice formation within their bodies can cause tissue damage and ultimately result in their death.
Research conducted by Jantina Toxopeus, an associate professor at St. Francis Xavier University, has focused on how temperature influences tick survival.
Toxopeus revealed that ticks typically freeze at temperatures below -15°C, at least in laboratory conditions.
However, she emphasized that the rate at which temperatures drop plays a crucial role. Ticks appear to adapt better to gradual temperature changes, much like the famous frog in boiling water analogy.
Toxopeus stated, “Sudden temperature shifts pose challenges for ticks, but when temperatures decline gradually to -10°C, they manage to survive.”
Contrary to popular belief, extreme low temperatures do not necessarily eradicate ticks, as they have shown resilience to cold conditions.
Toxopeus recalled a period of extreme cold in Nova Scotia with temperatures plunging to -27°C, yet there was no noticeable decline in the tick population afterward.
“Ticks seem to be quite resilient in dealing with these cold conditions,” she concluded.
Ferguson predicted that this year’s tick season is likely to be