All About Ticks
Tiny bloodsuckers lurking in your yard
Quick Facts about Ticks
Ticks Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Ticks are small, arachnid parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have flat, oval bodies that swell significantly when engorged with blood. Their color varies depending on species and life stage but generally ranges from brown to reddish-brown or black. Unlike insects, ticks have eight legs and no antennae, making them easy to distinguish from other pests. They are slow-moving and rely on ambush tactics, clinging to vegetation and latching onto passing hosts.
Common Species
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Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) – Also known as the deer tick, this species is a primary carrier of Lyme disease.
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American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – Larger than the deer tick, this species can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
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Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) – Recognizable by the white dot on females, it is associated with the spread of ehrlichiosis and other illnesses.
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Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) – Often found indoors, it primarily infests dogs but can bite humans as well.
Ticks Behavior and Biology
Ticks go through four life stages: egg, larva (six-legged), nymph (eight-legged), and adult. Each stage, aside from the egg, requires a blood meal to progress to the next phase. They locate hosts through heat, movement, and carbon dioxide emissions. Some species, like the black-legged tick, can take up to three years to complete their life cycle, often overwintering in leaf litter or soil. Ticks are vectors for numerous diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How We Treat for Ticks
The highest populations for ticks are in the Spring and Fall, so our treatments focus on those seasons:
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Granular applications in March and November – Targeting tick harborage areas to disrupt breeding cycles before peak season.
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April to October topical sprays – Applied to the ecotone of your property, the transition area between maintained landscaping and natural terrain where ticks thrive.
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Consultation and prevention – Our technicians will identify and recommend strategies to reduce tick habitats, such as clearing brush, leaf litter, and overgrown vegetation.
Common Questions about Ticks
Where do ticks hide in my yard?
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Ticks prefer shaded, humid areas like leaf litter, tall grass, dense shrubs, and woodpiles. They often gather in transition zones between lawns and wooded areas, waiting for a host to pass by.
What diseases do ticks spread in Northern Virginia?
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The most common tick-borne illnesses in the region include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. These diseases can cause severe symptoms, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and long-term health complications if untreated.
How can I prevent ticks from getting on my property?
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Keep grass short, remove leaf litter and brush, create barriers between wooded areas and your yard, and discourage wildlife like deer and rodents, which carry ticks. If you have pets, use vet-recommended tick prevention treatments.
What should I do if I find a tick on me or my pet?
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Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight out with steady pressure. Avoid twisting, crushing, or using heat or chemicals, as these methods can cause the tick to release more pathogens. Clean the area and monitor for symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.
How does your tick treatment work?
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Our tick control program includes granular treatments in early spring and late fall to disrupt breeding and eliminate larvae. From April through October, we apply targeted sprays to the ecotone of your property, focusing on areas where ticks are most active.
Do I need ongoing tick treatments, or is one treatment enough?
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A single treatment provides short-term relief, but for consistent control, regular applications throughout tick season are necessary. Our seasonal plan ensures continuous protection by targeting ticks at different life stages.
Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?
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We use products approved by our internal research team, selecting lower-impact solutions that effectively control ticks while minimizing risk. We always provide a detailed service report listing the products used on your property.
Find Local Tick Control Services
We provide professional ticks control throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the DC Metro area.