Despite the snowy winter in Nova Scotia, experts caution that tick populations may not decrease as expected. Researchers explain that deep and long-lasting snow can actually provide insulation for ticks, aiding their survival.
Laura Ferguson, an assistant professor at Acadia University, highlighted that the snow cover protects ticks, potentially allowing a large portion of them to survive the winter and reappear soon.
Even though Nova Scotia experienced cold spells, particularly after snowfall, the prolonged snow cover at the Halifax airport from Jan. 18 to March 21 created a shield for ticks. This streak of 64 days marked the longest continuous snow cover since 2020.
Ticks typically seek sheltered areas such as underneath leaf litter to endure the winter without needing to feed for months. They can withstand temperatures between 0 C to –5 C for extended periods. However, consistent temperatures below –10 C without protective coverings like snow or leaf litter can lead to mortality.
Jantina Toxopeus, an associate professor at St. Francis Xavier University, emphasized that ticks freeze at temperatures below –15 C, particularly in lab settings. The speed of temperature drops influences their resilience, as gradual changes allow them to adapt better.
Extreme low temperatures, such as –27 C experienced in Nova Scotia a few years ago, did not significantly impact the tick population. Toxopeus noted that ticks are adept at coping with cold conditions.
Overall, experts like Ferguson do not anticipate significant changes in this year’s tick season compared to previous years. The robust tick population in Nova Scotia is expected to persist, maintaining consistency in tick activity.
Nova Scotia had a relatively snowy winter, but don’t expect that to knock back the tick population. Experts say the long-lasting snow cover is more of a help than a hindrance. The CBC’s Frances Willick has the story.
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