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Ticks

Ticks, though small, can pose significant health risks by spreading diseases like Lyme disease. Learn about their behavior, types, infestation signs, and prevention tips to protect your family and home from these dangerous pests.

Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking arachnids that can attach themselves to humans and animals, feeding on blood to survive. These pests are known for transmitting serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more.

Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and even in your backyard. Their ability to latch onto hosts unnoticed makes them particularly dangerous, as they can spread diseases before they are even detected. Preventing and managing tick infestations is essential to safeguard your health and wellbeing.

How to Identify Tick Infestations

Tick infestations can occur indoors or outdoors, posing risks to people and pets. Here are common infestation sites:

Pets' Fur

Ticks often latch onto dogs or cats after outdoor activities, hiding in their fur.

Carpets and Upholstery

Ticks can hide in carpets, couches, and fabric furniture, waiting for a host.

Cracks and Crevices

These pests can nest in floorboards and wall cracks in your home.

Gardens and Yards

Ticks thrive in overgrown vegetation and shaded areas in outdoor spaces.

Clothing and Gear

Ticks can cling to clothing or outdoor gear after hiking or camping.

Deer Tick (Black-legged Tick)

Known for transmitting Lyme disease, they are often found in wooded areas.

American Dog Tick

Primarily targets dogs but can also bite humans, spreading diseases like tularemia.

Brown Dog Tick

Frequently infests homes, kennels, and dog bedding.

Lone Star Tick

Identified by a white dot on its back, it is aggressive and can transmit diseases.

Facts about Ticks

Ticks can survive for up to two years without a blood meal.

They are not insects but arachnids, related to spiders.

Female ticks can lay thousands of eggs at once.

Ticks use a behavior called “questing” to latch onto hosts.

Ticks prefer environments where they can find a host to feed on.

Common Places

Tall grasses and shrubs.
Forest floors and leaf litter.
Shaded garden areas.
Pets' bedding and kennels.
Cracks in floors or walls.

Ticks are opportunistic feeders that rely on hosts for survival.

Lifecycle Stages of Ticks

Egg: Thousands of eggs are laid by a single female.
Larva: Hatchlings, also called “seed ticks,” search for their first blood meal.
Nymph: After molting, they feed on hosts and grow into adults.
Adult: Fully developed ticks mate and lay eggs, restarting the cycle.

Social Structure: Ticks are solitary pests, relying solely on their hosts for sustenance.

Tips to Prevent and Control Tick Infestations

Protecting your home and family from ticks involves both prevention and control:

Tick Prevention Tips

Keep your lawn trimmed and remove tall grass.
Use tick-repellent sprays on clothing and gear.
Inspect pets regularly for ticks, especially after outdoor activities.
Seal cracks and crevices in your home.
Wash and dry clothing on high heat after spending time outdoors.

Related Pests

Similar to Ticks, pests like Fleas, Mites, and Bedbugs can also invade homes for food and shelter. Explore our Fleas control, Mites control, and Bedbug control services to keep all pests out.

Fleas

Mites

Bedbugs

Professional Pest Control

Expert services use safe and effective methods to eliminate ticks.

Tick Repellent for Pets

Veterinarian-approved treatments protect pets from tick bites.

DIY Sprays

Natural sprays with essential oils like eucalyptus can deter ticks.

Insecticides

Apply targeted insecticides to outdoor areas where ticks are present.

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming of carpets and furniture can remove ticks indoors.

Ticks FAQs

What do ticks look like on dogs?

Ticks on dogs appear as small, round, or oval-shaped bumps, often reddish brown or black.
How long do ticks live?

Ticks can live up to several years, depending on their species and environment.
How do ticks get on you?

Ticks latch onto you when you brush against vegetation where they are questing.
What color are ticks?

Depending on their species and life stage, ticks can be reddish-brown, black, or grayish-white.
Where do ticks lay eggs?

Ticks lay eggs in secluded, moist environments such as leaf litter or soil.
How long can ticks live in a house?

Ticks can survive several months in a house if they find a suitable host.
How many legs do ticks have?

Ticks have eight legs, as they are arachnids.
Where are ticks found?

Ticks are commonly found in wooded, grassy areas and gardens. Contact us for professional tick control services to ensure a tick-free home and yard.