Where do ticks overwinter at a dacha? - briefly
Ticks on a dacha overwinter in insulated micro‑habitats such as leaf litter, grass clippings, bark crevices, under sheds or woodpiles, and rodent burrows, which retain humidity and shield them from freezing. These sites provide the necessary protection for their survival through the cold season.
Where do ticks overwinter at a dacha? - in detail
Ticks survive the cold season by locating microhabitats that retain moisture and provide insulation from freezing temperatures. On a typical country cottage property, the most common winter refuges include:
- Leaf litter and decomposing organic matter – piles of fallen leaves, grass clippings, and compost retain heat and humidity, allowing ticks to remain active at low temperatures.
- Topsoil beneath vegetation – the upper few centimeters of soil, especially under shrubs or low‑lying plants, stay above the frost line and maintain sufficient moisture.
- Wood stacks and timber piles – cracks between logs and the interior of stacked firewood create sheltered spaces with stable microclimates.
- Animal shelters and barns – bedding, hay, and the undersides of stalls keep the environment damp and protected from wind.
- Stone walls and foundation cracks – gaps in masonry provide insulated cavities where ticks can hide from extreme cold.
- Underground drainage and irrigation channels – water‑filled voids maintain humidity levels required for tick survival.
The choice of refuge depends on species. Ixodes ricinus prefers humid leaf litter and shaded soil, while Dermacentor species are often found in drier, sun‑exposed wood piles. Temperature thresholds for activity drop to around 5 °C; below this, ticks enter a diapause state but remain viable if humidity stays above 70 %.
Effective control measures focus on eliminating or disrupting these habitats: regularly remove leaf litter, thin vegetation, store firewood off the ground, seal cracks in foundations, and keep animal bedding dry. By reducing the availability of insulated, moist microenvironments, the tick population on a dacha can be significantly lowered during the winter months.