TICK SEASON: HOW TO KEEP THESE PESTS AWAY FROM YOUR NOOKS AND CRANNIES

These little freeloaders may be tiny, but they come with big attitude—latching onto humans, pets, and anything warm-blooded, all while serving up a side of potential disease. We’re talking Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis—you name it. Turns out, ticks aren’t just annoying; they’re also a health hazard. If you’re a homeowner, a pet parent, or just someone who enjoys the great outdoors, understanding ticks and how to send them packing is non-negotiable.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

Ticks thrive in grassy, wooded, and damp areas—basically, wherever you’d most like to enjoy a peaceful hike. Fun fact: they aren’t even insects—they’re arachnids, meaning they’re closer cousins to spiders than mosquitoes. Great! With a four-stage lifecycle (egg, larva, nymph, and adult), ticks are basically masters of patience, lying in wait for months—or years—until the right host strolls by.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

Not every tick carries disease, but the ones that do? They can turn your weekend hike into a medical nightmare. While some diseases—like Powassan virus—can be transmitted within minutes, others, such as Lyme disease, typically require ticks to be attached for 24 hours or more. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like discomfort to, in rare cases, serious neurological complications. Avoiding ticks isn’t just about dodging discomfort—it’s about keeping yourself and your family safe.

TICK-PROOFING YOUR HOME AND YARD

At Black Diamond Pest Control, we believe in playing offense. Here’s how you can stop ticks from turning your backyard into their personal paradise:

• Keep Your Lawn Trimmed: Ticks love tall grass like lazy roommates love daytime television. Mow it down and send ‘em packin’.
• Remove Leaf Litter & Debris: Dark, damp, and cozy—leaf piles are basically tick luxury hotels. Get rid of them.
• Create a Barrier: A strip of gravel between your yard and wooded areas blocks tick migration like a velvet rope at an exclusive club. Sorry ticks, you’re not on the list.
• Treat Your Pets: Dogs and cats are prime tick targets. Give your furry friends the VIP treatment with preventative meds. Consult your vet!
• Consider Professional Tick Control: Regular pest control treatments send ticks packing before they even unpack.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK

If a tick has latched onto you or your pet, don’t panic—but don’t just rip it off like a bad Band-Aid, either. Grab fine-tipped tweezers, pull straight up (no twisting!), and make sure no parts get left behind. Clean the area with soap and water and monitor for symptoms in the days following removal.

DON’T LET TICKS TAKE OVER—CALL IN THE PROS

Ticks don’t just ruin your day; they can mess with your long-term health. Why risk it? Black Diamond Pest Control offers expert tick treatments to keep your yard—and your family—safe. Call us today at 877-DEAD-BUG and kick ticks to the curb before they make themselves at home.

‍