In New York and New Jersey, several species of ticks are commonly encountered. These ticks can transmit diseases to humans and animals, making them a significant public health concern. Some of the most prevalent tick species in this region are the Blacklegged Tick, American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick and the Brown Dog Tick. Unlike some pests, ticks do not typically infest indoor environments in the same way that insects like ants or cockroaches do. Instead, ticks are usually encountered outdoors, particularly in areas with tall grass, dense vegetation, and wildlife habitat. While ticks do not cause physical property damage, they can pose significant health risks to humans and animals through their ability to transmit diseases. Since ticks primarily feed on the blood of their hosts, including wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, they do not consume or damage property like other pests do.

Ticks are vectors for a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and others. These diseases can cause serious health problems in humans and animals, including fever, rash, joint pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, neurological or cardiac complications. While ticks themselves do not cause direct property damage, the diseases they transmit can have indirect effects on property owners, such as medical expenses, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life. Additionally, tick-borne diseases can impact pets and livestock, leading to veterinary bills, reduced performance, and other health-related issues.

To control tick infestations, our pest control professionals will:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify areas where ticks are likely to be present, including wooded areas, tall grasses, leaf litter, and other tick habitat. Pest control professionals will also look for signs of tick activity, such as tick bites on humans or pets.

• Recommend habitat modification measures to make the property less hospitable to ticks. This can include landscaping practices such as clearing brush, mowing tall grasses, removing leaf litter, and creating barriers between wooded areas and high-traffic areas.

• Apply insecticides or acaricides to outdoor areas where ticks are active. These treatments target tick nymphs and adults and may be applied as liquid sprays, granules, or dusts. Insecticide treatments are typically focused on areas where ticks are likely to encounter hosts, such as along perimeter fences, trails, and vegetation edges.

• Recommendations for personal protective measures to reduce the risk of tick bites, such as wearing long clothing, using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin, and performing tick checks after outdoor activities.

• Educate property owners about the biology and behavior of ticks, as well as the importance of tick bite prevention measures. This may include information on tick-borne diseases, symptoms to watch for, and steps to take if bitten by a tick.

It's important to note that controlling tick infestations requires a comprehensive, integrated approach that combines habitat modification, tick control treatments, and personal protective measures. While our pest control professionals can play a valuable role in reducing tick populations and minimizing the risk of tick bites, ongoing vigilance and proactive tick management efforts are essential for effective tick control.