Ticks - A Common Pest

What are Ticks?

Ticks are small arachnids that belong to the same family as spiders and mites. They are parasitic and feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.

Are Ticks Dangerous?

Ticks are known vectors of various diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. Their bites can transmit these diseases to humans and pets.

Where do Ticks Live?

Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubs where they wait on the tips of vegetation for hosts to pass by. They can also be found in urban parks and gardens.

Why Do I Have a Tick Problem?

Ticks latch onto hosts by questing (waiting on vegetation for a passing host) and can enter homes on pets or humans. They seek warm, moist areas on hosts to feed on blood.

How Do I Get Rid of Ticks?

Controlling tick populations involves both prevention and removal methods:

• Wear long sleeves, pants, and insect repellents when outdoors in tick-prone areas.
• Keep grass and shrubs trimmed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat.
• Check pets and family members for ticks after outdoor activities and promptly remove any ticks found.