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Well, if you’ve been spending any time outdoors lately, you’ve probably noticed them.
Those tiny, unwelcome guests that seem to be more abundant and bothersome than
ever before: ticks. As the owner of Nexus Pest Solutions, I’ve been geing a lot of calls
and questions from concerned homeowners asking, “Will, why are the ticks so bad
this year?” It’s a valid question, and unfortunately, there’s no single, simple answer.
Instead, it’s a perfect storm of environmental factors that have created ideal
conditions for tick populations to thrive.
We’re not just imagining it; the data and our rsthand experience on the ground
conrm that tick activity is signicantly higher this year in many areas, including right
here in Wisconsin. To understand why, we need to look at several interconnected
elements, primarily revolving around weather paerns and the ecosystems in which
ticks live and breed.
One of the most signicant drivers behind the surge in tick numbers this year is
undoubtedly the weather we’ve been experiencing. Ticks, particularly the blacklegged
tick, also known as the deer tick, which is responsible for transmiing Lyme disease
and other pathogens, are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity.
We’ve had a string of milder winters recently, and this past winter was particularly
easy in many areas. What does a mild winter mean for ticks? Well, it means higher
survival rates. Extreme cold and prolonged deep freezes can kill o a signicant
portion of the tick population, especially those that are in their overwintering stages in
leaf lier and brush. When the temperatures stay relatively moderate, more ticks
survive to become active in the spring.
Following the mild winter, we experienced an earlier and warmer spring than usual.
This shi in seasons has a direct impact on the tick life cycle. Ticks become active
when temperatures are consistently above freezing, typically around 45 degrees
Fahrenheit. An earlier warm-up means ticks emerge from dormancy sooner, extending
their active season. This gives them a longer window to nd hosts, feed, and
reproduce, ultimately leading to a larger population base.
Furthermore, the humidity levels we’ve seen play a crucial role. Ticks are highly
susceptible to desiccation; they need moisture to survive. Areas with good ground
cover, like leaf lier, provide the humidity they need to stay alive. This year, we’ve had
periods of ample rainfall in many regions, coupled with warmer temperatures, creating
a humid environment that is absolutely ideal for ticks to ourish. Dry, hot conditions
can stress tick populations, but the moisture we’ve received has acted like a welcome
mat for them.
Beyond the immediate weather, we also need to consider the impact on the tick’s
hosts, particularly deer and small mammals like mice and chipmunks. These animals
are the primary carriers of ticks and the pathogens they transmit. The size and health
of these host populations directly inuence the number of ticks in an area.
Changes in habitat play a signicant role here. As we see more suburban
development and fragmentation of natural landscapes, deer and other wildlife are
oen pushed into closer proximity with human populations. This creates more
opportunities for ticks to move from their animal hosts onto people and pets in yards
and recreational areas. Think about it: your backyard oen borders a woodline or a
patch of undeveloped land, which is prime habitat for both deer and the rodents that
are crucial to the tick life cycle, especially for the larval and nymph stages.
Speaking of rodents, the populations of white-footed mice, a key reservoir for the
Lyme disease bacteria, can uctuate year to year. These uctuations are oen linked
to the availability of food sources like acorns. A good acorn year can lead to a boom in
the mouse population the following year. More mice mean more meals for young ticks,
and a higher likelihood of those ticks becoming infected with the Lyme disease
bacteria. While pinpointing the exact impact of the acorn crop on this year’s mouse
population requires specic local data, it’s a factor that contributes to the overall tick
picture in many areas.
The interconnectedness of these factors is key. Milder winters allow more ticks and
more host animals to survive. An earlier spring gives these larger surviving tick
populations a head start. Favorable humidity keeps them alive and active throughout
the warmer months. And the close proximity of host animals to human habitats due to
landscape changes increases the chances of human-tick encounters.
We also can’t ignore the broader implications of climate change. While year-to-year
variations in tick populations are inuenced by immediate weather, the longer-term
trend of warming temperatures and changing precipitation paerns is generally
contributing to an expansion of tick ranges and longer activity seasons over time.
Ticks are being found in areas where they were previously uncommon, and the period
during which we are at risk of tick bites is lengthening.
So, when you encounter an abundance of ticks this year, understand that it’s not just
bad luck. It’s a result of a complex interplay of environmental factors that have created
a particularly favorable year for these arachnids. From the mild winter that boosted
survival rates to the early warm-up and sucient humidity that extended their active
period, the conditions have been just right for ticks to thrive.
As pest control professionals, we’re seeing the impact of these conditions rsthand.
We’re emphasizing to homeowners the importance of being vigilant and taking
proactive measures to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. This includes
understanding where ticks live – in tall grass, brush, and leaf lier – and taking
precautions when in these areas.
Knowing why the tick population is so high this year is the rst step. It highlights the
need for increased awareness and diligent prevention strategies. It’s a reminder that
we need to be more mindful of our surroundings when enjoying the outdoors and take
steps to make our properties less hospitable to ticks. This includes good lawn
maintenance, removing leaf lier, and creating barriers between wooded areas and
your yard.
At Nexus Pest Solutions, we’re here to help you navigate this challenging tick season.
By understanding the environmental factors at play, we can beer appreciate the
increased risk and take the necessary steps to mitigate it. Don’t let the high tick
numbers keep you from enjoying your property, but do be informed and be prepared.
Stay safe out there!
