Ticks
Ticks are small parasitic arachnids related to spiders and mites. Unlike insects, they have eight legs and survive by feeding on the blood of animals and humans. Ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, brush, and leaf litter, where they wait for a host to pass by. Once attached, they can remain feeding for several days. Ticks are a significant concern because they are capable of transmitting a variety of diseases to both people and pets.
DEER TICKS (BLACKLEGGED TICKS)
Deer ticks are very small, about the size of a sesame seed when unfed. They are dark brown to black with reddish bodies and are most active in wooded or brushy areas. Deer ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease and several other illnesses. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to detect, allowing them to remain attached long enough to transmit disease.
AMERICAN DOG TICKS
American dog ticks are larger than deer ticks and have a brown body with distinctive white or gray markings on their backs. They are commonly found in grassy areas, fields, and along trails. These ticks frequently attach to dogs but will also bite humans. They are known to transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
LONE STAR TICKS
Lone star ticks are recognized by the single white spot on the back of adult females. These ticks are aggressive feeders and will readily bite humans, pets, and wildlife. They are commonly found in wooded areas with dense underbrush. Lone star ticks are associated with several illnesses, including ehrlichiosis and other tick-borne infections.
DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH TICKS
Ticks are known for transmitting a variety of diseases that can affect both humans and animals. When a tick attaches and feeds, it can transfer bacteria or pathogens into the bloodstream. Some tick-borne diseases can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, and rashes. Because ticks often go unnoticed until they have already attached, early detection and prevention are important.
Pets are also at risk from tick bites. Ticks can transmit diseases to dogs and cats and may cause irritation, infection, or allergic reactions at the bite site. Protecting your property from ticks helps reduce these risks for your entire household.
TICK PREVENTION
Reducing tick habitat around your property is one of the most effective ways to prevent problems. Keep lawns trimmed short and remove leaf litter, brush piles, and overgrown vegetation where ticks may hide. Maintaining a clear boundary between wooded areas and your yard can also help limit tick migration.
Outdoor recreation areas should be kept well-maintained, and children’s play areas should be placed away from wooded or brushy sections of the yard. Firewood should be stacked neatly and stored away from the home to discourage rodents and wildlife that may carry ticks.
If you have pets, regularly check them for ticks after they spend time outdoors, especially around the ears, neck, and under the legs. Using veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products can also help protect pets from bites.
TICK TREATMENT
Professional tick control focuses on reducing tick populations around your home and yard. Treatments target common tick habitats such as shaded areas, tall grass, brush, and wooded edges where ticks are most likely to live and reproduce.
Regular seasonal treatments can significantly reduce tick activity and help protect your family, pets, and visitors from tick bites. Combined with good property maintenance and prevention practices, professional tick management is the most effective way to keep your outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable.
