Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they’re a real health risk. One bite can spread diseases to both people and pets, and once ticks settle in your yard, they multiply quickly.
If you’ve ever found one crawling on you or your pet, you know how unsettling it feels. It’s hard to enjoy your yard when you’re wondering how many more might be hiding in the grass.
The good news is you don’t have to wait until things get out of control. By catching the early signs of a tick problem and starting tick control right away, you can get back to enjoying your outdoor space in no time.
Why Tick Control Matters
Ticks carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses. These can spread quickly to pets and humans through a single bite.
When left unchecked, tick populations grow fast. They hide in tall grass, under leaves, and along fences where you and your pets walk every day.
Starting tick control at the right time can:
- Lower the risk of bites and disease
- Keep your yard safer for kids and pets
- Make it easier to enjoy outdoor activities
Signs You Might Have a Tick Problem
You don’t need to be a pest expert to notice the signs of a tick infestation. Here’s what to watch for:
Your pets keep coming inside with ticks.
Dogs and cats are often the first to show you there’s a problem. If you find ticks on them after they’ve been outside — especially more than once — it usually means ticks are living on your property. Pay close attention to their ears, belly, and between their toes.
You’re finding ticks on yourself.
Finding a tick crawling on your clothes after mowing the lawn or spending a few minutes outside is a clear red flag. Even one or two can mean there are more waiting in the grass.
Certain areas of your yard look like tick hotspots.
Ticks love shady, damp places. Check around:
- Tall grass or overgrown spots
- Leaf piles or brush
- Wood stacks and fence lines
If you see ticks in these areas, it’s time to act.
Tick activity ramps up when the weather warms.
Spring and early summer are prime tick season. If you notice ticks as soon as temperatures rise, they’re probably already established in your yard.
Pets or family members show symptoms of tick-borne illness.
If your pet tests positive for a tick-borne disease or starts showing signs like fever or fatigue, there’s a good chance the ticks came from your yard. For people, watch for rashes or flu-like symptoms after a bite.
When to Start Tick Control
The short answer: the sooner, the better. Don’t wait until ticks become a full-blown problem.
- Act after the first bite: One confirmed tick is enough reason to treat your yard.
- Start before tick season: Spring is the best time to get ahead of the problem.
- Re-treat after major yard work: Clearing brush or adding new landscaping can disturb ticks and push them into new areas.
- Stay consistent if you live near wooded areas: Year-round tick control is worth it if your property is high-risk.
For a more detailed guide on how to get rid of ticks, read this resource from our page: A Guide to Eliminating Ticks from Your Yard.
Easy Steps You Can Take Right Now
You don’t have to wait for professional help to make a difference. Here’s what you can do this weekend:
- Mow regularly and keep grass short.
- Rake up leaves and get rid of brush piles.
- Lay gravel or wood chips between your yard and any wooded areas.
- Use flea and tick preventives for pets (talk to your vet first).
These steps won’t solve everything, but they make your yard less inviting to ticks.
Professional Tick Control Makes a Difference
DIY sprays may give you short-term relief, but they don’t always solve the problem. Professional tick control takes a more targeted approach.
With a pro, you get:
- Treatments focused on areas where ticks actually live
- A regular schedule that keeps populations down all season
- Products that are safe for pets and kids
Ready to take back your yard? Don’t wait until ticks become a bigger problem. Call Colonel Landscaping today to schedule your tick control service and keep your family, pets, and outdoor space protected.
Take Control Before It Gets Worse
Ticks aren’t going away on their own. The earlier you deal with them, the safer your yard becomes. If you’re seeing ticks, finding them on your pets, or just want to prevent an infestation before it starts, now is the time to take action.
Combine good lawn care habits with professional tick control, and you can keep your outdoor spaces safe and comfortable all year long.