It may be winter, but Massachusetts is still crawling with ticks.

Think winter means we’re safe from tick bites? Think again. Recent photo and video evidence shows that ticks in Massachusetts are still active—even in mid-January.

While spring, summer, and fall are the seasons that get people thinking about ticks, it’s important to be vigilant year-round. Mild winters, in our case with record-breaking high temperatures, can bring ticks out of hiding. Just as people spend more time outdoors in warmer weather, ticks also take advantage, yawning, stretching, and searching for a snack until the weather turns again.

Ticks survive the winter in a variety of ways, depending on the species and life cycle stage. Some go dormant, hiding in leaf litter and other debris. Others survive by latching onto a host. Some take up residence underground. Ticks that don’t find suitable hideaways or hosts may die, but make no mistake: ticks in Massachusetts are still a very real threat in winter.

Tick bites can spread diseases like Lyme disease and babesiosis, among others, and while the risk is highest during spring through fall, precautions should be taken all year long. Check your body for ticks after spending time outdoors, and check children and pets as well. Remove any ticks right away and save in a container or baggie in case there is a need for identification. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, aching muscles, or rash.

For many of us, the risk ticks pose to ourselves, children, and pets is simply too great to ignore. Burgess Pest can offer you peace of mind with our tick control and prevention programs. We offer a variety of treatment schedules and environmentally-friendly products, protecting your pad from ticks and their bites. Our tick team gets rolling in early spring, so call or email us today to make sure you’re ready to get started. It’s clear that the ticks aren’t waiting, and neither should you.