Ready North / Blog / Do ticks stop in winter? What CDC and URI say about New England thaws
Do ticks stop in winter? What CDC and URI say about New England thaws
By the Editorial team · Published Oct 20, 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice, and not reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. About and sources
Many people stop thinking about ticks after the first frost. The CDC and the University of Rhode Island’s TickEncounter center say that is too early.
Freezing does not kill adults
The URI TickEncounter Resource Center says adult blacklegged (deer) ticks are not killed by freezing temperatures. They can be active on days above freezing when they are not covered by snow. The center says the combination to watch for is thawed ground and a temperature above freezing.
The CDC agrees
The CDC says the greatest risk of being bitten by blacklegged ticks is in spring, summer and fall, but that adults may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above freezing.
What that means on a thaw day (our suggestion)
Check the ground and the temperature before a woods or field walk. Both thawed and above freezing means the risk is real.
Do a tick check after the walk, including between toes, around the ears, and under the collar.
Keep your tick prevention plan going. Ask your vet when to pause or continue.
Pets too
The URI center advises owners to continue protecting their pets, because you never know when a thaw will let ticks become active again.
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