You may think ticks are a summer problem, so you’ll be sad to hear that the blood-sucking pests are actually active year-round.
It’s true that ticks reach low energy levels in winter, meaning they are reluctant to move and usually hide under snow, leaves and brush, according to Tick Talk Canada, a campaign launched by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
But if you’re planning on cutting down a Christmas tree, chances are you’re giving the little bastards a cozy, warm new home.
If a Christmas tree is infested with ticks, there’s a good chance they’ll end up in your home, says Tina Hölscher, a veterinarian from Germany.
According to Tick Talk Canada, some tick species become active when temperatures are 4 degrees Celsius or higher. So, once in your home, ticks will wake up from their slumber and look for a host to feed on, such as you and your pet.
The best way to prevent ticks from entering your home during the holidays is to keep the fresh tree in the basement or garage for a while before placing it in your living room.
This way, the ticks start moving due to the higher temperatures, but without entering your home.
Before bringing the tree indoors, shake it vigorously to remove the pests.
If you discover a tick on your body or your pet, remove it as soon as possible, says Hölscher. The less time a tick spends on your body, the less likely you are to get a tick-borne infection like Lyme disease.
