Table of Contents
Ticks Overview
Hot and Cold - Extreme Temperatures for Ticks
How to Kill Ticks with Heat
How to Kill Ticks with Cold
How to Prevent Ticks in Your Pets
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Temperatures Ticks Don't Like
- By Hannah
-
- April 8, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Ah, the British weather – a topic that never fails to spark conversation. From scorching summer days to frosty winter mornings, we Brits love to discuss our dull climate. But did you know that our weather isn't just a talking point? It also plays a crucial role in the lives of some less welcome guests – ticks.
Does cold affect ticks? Can you use heat to kill ticks? What are the temperatures that kill ticks? Let’s jump into the world of ticks, and answer all the questions you might have.
Ticks Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of temperatures, let's first familiarise ourselves with these tiny creatures. Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Found in grassy and wooded areas, they latch onto pets and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis.
Ticks are resilient little critters, capable of withstanding a wide range of environmental conditions. However, extreme temperatures can pose challenges for them, affecting their ability to survive and thrive.
Hot and Cold - Extreme Temperatures for Ticks
Ticks are resilient, but they do have their limits when it comes to temperature. Extreme heat and cold can both be detrimental to their survival.
Hot Temperatures:
While ticks can tolerate moderate heat, they struggle to survive in extremely high temperatures. At temperatures around 35°C and above, ticks begin to dehydrate rapidly, leading to their demise. So, those scorching summer days aren't just uncomfortable for us – they are bad news for ticks, which is good news for pet owners!
Cold Temperatures:
On the flip side, ticks aren't fans of the cold either. Freezing temperatures can cause them to enter a state of dormancy, and prolonged exposure to sub-zero conditions will lead to death. However, there are a small number of tick species that have adapted and survive in colder climates, but the average tick doesn’t have this super power.
How to Kill Ticks with Heat
If you find ticks on your property or pets, using heat can be an effective way to eliminate them. Here are a few methods you can try:
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Dry Heat: Tumble dry clothing and bedding on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks hiding within the fabric.
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Steam Treatment: Use a steam cleaner on carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces where ticks may be lurking. The high temperatures will effectively eradicate them.
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Direct Heat: For items that can't be washed or steamed, such as mattresses or furniture, use a hairdryer or heat gun to expose ticks to high temperatures and kill them.
How to Kill Ticks with Cold
Alternatively, cold temperatures can also be used to eradicate ticks. Here's how:
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Freezing: Place items such as clothing or pet bedding in the freezer for at least 24 hours. The cold will kill any ticks present.
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Cold Water Soak: Submerge items in cold water for an extended period to lower the temperature enough to kill ticks without damaging the material.
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Liquid Nitrogen: For more severe infestations or hard-to-reach areas, professional pest control services may use liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill ticks effectively.
How to Prevent Ticks in Your Pets
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping ticks away from your furry friends. Here are some tips to help protect your pets:
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Tick Control Products
Use products such as spot-on treatments, like Itch Flea Treatment that kills ticks, fleas and lice all year round!
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Regular Checking
Inspect your pets regularly for ticks, especially after they've been outside in areas where ticks are prevalent.
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Garden Clean up:
Keep your garden and outdoor space tidy by getting your lawnmower out regularly, removing excess leaves and trimming overgrown bushes to reduce hidden places for ticks to live.
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Avoid Tick Hotspots
Try to avoid areas where ticks are known to thrive, such as wooded areas or tall grass, when walking your pets.
While ticks may be resilient creatures, they're not immune to the effects of extreme temperatures - thank god!. By harnessing the power of heat and cold, along with proactive prevention strategies, you can effectively manage tick populations and keep them at bay. So, the next time you're enjoying a sunny day or bundling up against the cold, instead of complaining, think ‘the ticks are outta here!’.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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