Do Parasites Die in Winter?

If you think pesky parasites such as fleas, ticks and heartworms die off in winter, think again! Fleas and ticks can survive comfortably in our warm, cozy homes in various stages of development. Not only are your pets at risk, your family is also. The CDC reports that human illnesses from mosquito, tick, and flea bites tripled in the U.S. during the 13 years from 2004 through 2016. Nine new germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks were discovered or introduced into the U.S. during this time. 

Flea eggs in furniture and carpets can hatch indoors and in warmer winters, fleas can survive outdoors as well. In addition to making your pets miserable, fleas carry tapeworm larvae. Ticks can also live indoors and can survive outdoors in temperatures just above freezing. 

Even mosquitoes-carriers of deadly heartworm larvae-can survive indoors. In fact, many cats infected with heartworms are kitties who never go outdoors.  

How can you keep your home from becoming a winter refuge for disease-causing parasites? Keeping them off your pets is the first line of defense. Give your pets the flea, tick and heartworm preventatives your veterinarian recommends year-round!

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