Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
Found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and even suburban backyards, ticks pose significant health risks due to the diseases they can transmit, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Their small size and ability to latch onto hosts unnoticed make them a particularly insidious pest. Ticks are most active during warmer months, but mild winters can extend their activity into cooler seasons.
Ticks often attach to humans or pets after brushing against vegetation. Once attached, they can remain hidden for hours or days while feeding. Early detection is critical, as prolonged feeding increases the likelihood of disease transmission. Common signs of ticks include bites, visible ticks on the skin or pets, and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, such as fever, fatigue, and rashes.
Effective tick control involves prevention and active management. Preventative measures include keeping lawns mowed, removing leaf litter, and creating barriers, such as wood chips or gravel, between wooded areas and living spaces. Using tick repellents and regularly inspecting pets and clothing after spending time outdoors can also help reduce exposure.
For more severe infestations, professional pest control services offer targeted solutions. Treatments may include spraying tick habitats with insecticides and applying barrier treatments to reduce tick populations around the home. Integrated pest management strategies combine these treatments with habitat modification for long-term control. By addressing tick issues proactively, pest control services protect both health and peace of mind for homeowners.