Does a big Winter mean less ticks?

Every winter, as thick blankets of snow settle across the Northeast, there’s a familiar refrain: “Well, at least this will kill off the ticks.” It’s an understandable hope—especially in regions where tick-borne illnesses are a real concern. But contrary to popular belief, a heavy snow year in places like New England doesn’t necessarily mean fewer ticks come spring. In fact, snow can actually help ticks survive.

Ticks such as the blacklegged tick (often called the deer tick) are remarkably well adapted to cold climates. Rather than being exposed directly to frigid air, they overwinter beneath leaf litter, soil, and—crucially—snow cover. A deep layer of snow acts like an insulating blanket, trapping ground heat and keeping temperatures at the soil surface much more stable than the bitter air above. Even when the air temperature plunges below zero, the microclimate under the snow can remain comparatively mild.

What really harms ticks isn’t steady cold—it’s extreme temperature swings and a lack of insulating cover. In winters with little snow, ticks may be more exposed to freeze-thaw cycles that can be more stressful than consistent cold under a snowpack. Ironically, a “mild” winter with inconsistent snow cover can be tougher on ticks than a long, snowy one.

There’s also the matter of their hosts. Populations of mice, deer, and other wildlife play a major role in tick survival and reproduction. If those host populations remain healthy through the winter, ticks often do too. Snow doesn’t eliminate the animals ticks rely on; in some cases, it even provides those animals with insulation and protection as well.

By the time spring arrives in Vermont, tick activity can ramp up quickly—regardless of how snowy January and February were. So while a picturesque, snow-filled winter might feel cleansing, it’s not a reliable form of pest control. Come spring, it’s still wise to take the usual precautions: wear protective clothing in wooded areas, use EPA-approved repellents, and check yourself and pets after spending time outdoors.

Snow may transform the landscape, but when it comes to ticks, it’s no silver bullet.