Inspection
Assessing the property to identify high-risk areas such as tall grass, wooded edges, and walking paths.
Tick Control & Prevention
Ticks don't jump or fly — they wait. Here's what to know about how ticks find a host, where they hide in your yard, and how to keep your family and pets protected.
Tick Quick Facts
Legs8 (arachnid, not an insect)
SizeRoughly 8–15 mm, larger after feeding
Life StagesEgg, larva, nymph, adult
MovementCannot fly or jump — they "quest" and latch on
Active SeasonPeaks in spring and summer; can persist into fall
Common Hiding SpotsTall grass, leaf litter, wooded edges, brush
Understanding Ticks
Understanding Ticks
Ticks are arachnids, related to spiders, and feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and other animals. Unlike fleas, which are strong jumpers, or mosquitoes, which fly, ticks find a host through a behavior called questing — they climb to the tip of a blade of grass or a low branch, extend their front legs, and wait for a person, pet, or animal to brush past.
Ticks go through four life stages — egg, larva, nymph, and adult — and typically need a blood meal at each stage to develop into the next. Because nymphs are especially small and easy to overlook, they can go unnoticed even when attached.
Key characteristics
Eight legs; classified as arachnids, not insects
Cannot fly or jump — they wait on vegetation and latch onto a passing host
Detect hosts through vibration, body heat, and carbon dioxide
Go through four life stages, each typically requiring a blood meal
Most active in warm-weather months, though activity can extend further depending on climate
How Ticks Get Into Your Yard & Home
Ticks don't travel far on their own — they rely on hosts to carry them into new areas, which means a yard's tick population is closely tied to the wildlife and vegetation around it.
Common attractants & habitats
- Tall grass, weeds, and overgrown vegetation
- Leaf litter, brush piles, and wooded edges
- Areas frequented by wildlife such as deer or rodents
- Shaded, humid conditions along walking paths or yard borders
- Pets that spend time outdoors in tick-prone areas
Signs of activity
- Ticks found attached to people, pets, or clothing after time outdoors
- Ticks in dark, moist areas of the body — behind ears, in the scalp, underarms, or the groin area
- Small, dark, unmoving specks on clothing or fur that turn out to be attached ticks
- Repeated tick encounters after spending time in the same outdoor areas
- Pets scratching more than usual after outdoor activity
Because pets can carry ticks indoors after time outside, a yard-focused tick problem can quickly become a household concern as well. Because nymphs are small and easy to miss, a consistent tick check after outdoor activity is one of the most reliable ways to catch them early.
Good to Know
Ticks and Health
Tick bites themselves are usually painless and may not be immediately noticeable, but ticks are known to be associated with the potential spread of certain diseases to people and pets when an attached, infected tick remains in place. Most tick bites cause little more than mild redness or irritation at the site. Prompt removal of an attached tick is generally recommended to reduce risk. If you notice a tick bite accompanied by a rash, fever, or other symptoms, consult a medical professional. For pets, consult a veterinarian.
This information is educational only and is not medical or veterinary advice.
Ticks vs. Fleas — What's the Difference?
Ticks and fleas are often confused, but they behave quite differently.
Ticks
- Movement: Cannot jump or fly; wait on vegetation to latch onto a host
- Classification: Arachnids with eight legs
- Attachment: Typically remain attached to a host while feeding, sometimes for an extended period
Fleas
- Movement: Strong jumpers
- Classification: Insects with six legs
- Attachment: Move around and bite repeatedly rather than staying attached
Our Approach to Tick Control
Effective tick control focuses on the outdoor conditions that support tick activity — tall grass, brush, and shaded borders — rather than treating symptoms alone.
Targeted treatment
Applying liquid or granular treatment to areas where ticks are most likely to be present.
Habitat-focused recommendations
Identifying vegetation, brush, or wildlife-related factors contributing to tick activity.
Seasonal service
Ongoing treatment throughout tick season, since populations can rebuild without continued attention.
Follow-up
Monitoring activity levels and adjusting treatment as conditions change.
Prevention
Tick Prevention Tips
Simple habits that reduce tick exposure and activity:
Keep grass cut short and trim back overgrown vegetation
Clear leaf litter, brush piles, and tall weeds from the yard
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing when in tick-prone areas
Use EPA-registered repellent when spending time outdoors
Perform tick checks on people and pets after outdoor activity
Consult a veterinarian about tick prevention products for pets
Stay on cleared paths when hiking or walking in wooded areas
Because ticks rely on brushing contact to find a host, reducing available vegetation and checking regularly after outdoor time are two of the most effective everyday precautions.
FAQs
No. Unlike fleas, which jump, or mosquitoes, which fly, ticks find hosts through a behavior called questing — climbing onto vegetation and waiting to latch onto a passing person or animal.
Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, leaf litter, brush piles, and shaded, wooded edges of a property, particularly in areas with wildlife activity.
Ticks are arachnids with eight legs that cannot jump; fleas are insects with six legs known for jumping between hosts. Ticks tend to remain attached while feeding, while fleas move around and bite repeatedly.
Most tick bites cause only mild irritation, but ticks are associated with the potential spread of certain diseases when an infected tick stays attached. If you notice a rash, fever, or other symptoms after a tick bite, consult a medical professional.
Yes. Pets that spend time outdoors in tick-prone areas can carry ticks indoors, which is why regular tick checks and preventive care for pets are an important part of managing tick risk around the home.
Popular natural methods, such as essential oils, aren't well-supported as reliable tick repellents and may carry their own risks if misused. EPA-registered repellents and professional yard treatment are generally more consistent for reducing tick exposure.
Pest we treat
One barrier, dozens of pests handled
From tunneling and crawling to flying and squeezing through gaps you never noticed, we've seen it and kept it out. Explore how we handle each:
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