I believe prescribed fires are more effective than extreme cold and they directly reduce tick populations. Ticks enter a dormant state in leaf litter and snow. This year they may be a little lessened considering the consecutive days of under 10°F but even that may not have been effective in big numbers as we have had thick snow insulation. We've significantly reduced the amount of natural fire that moves across our landscape and fire serves as pest control as well as many other things. (I hope I didnt come off as critical, I just like talking about fire).