Ticks

Ticks are parasitic arachnids that spread dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Found in grassy and wooded areas, they latch onto hosts to feed on blood, often going unnoticed. Their bites can cause infections, allergic reactions, and serious health complications. This guide provides essential steps to identify, prevent, and remove ticks to protect your health.

 
Common Tick Species

Here are some of the most common tick species found across households in the United States.

Species List
  • American Dog Tick
    American Dog Tick
  • Brown Dog Tick
    Brown Dog Tick
  • Deer Tick
    Deer Tick
  • Lone Star Tick
    Lone Star Tick
  • Wood Tick
    Wood Tick
 
How To Identify Ticks

Antennae: None; instead, they have specialized mouthparts for piercing skin and feeding on blood.

Size: Typically 1–5 mm when unfed; engorged ticks can swell to over 10 mm.

Body Shape: Small, oval, and flattened when unfed; becomes larger and more rounded after feeding.

Color: Varies by species; common colors include brown, reddish-brown, black, or grayish when engorged.

Legs: Eight legs (as adults), with larvae having six; legs may have distinct coloring or bands.

American Dog Tick Model

You can use the following model to help you identify an american dog tick .

American Dog Tick
 
Dangers Ticks Pose

Here are some of the dangers tick infestations can pose.

Dangers and Hazards

Different species of ticks may pose one or many of the following hazards:

  • Disease
    Disease
  • Bites
    Bites
  • Skin Infections
    Skin Infections
  • Allergic Reactions
    Allergic Reactions
  • Pet Risks
    Pet Risks
 
How to Get Rid of Ticks

Apply any of the following treatment steps that are relevant to your tick issues.

Treatment Steps
  • Maintain Landscaping
    Maintain Landscaping

    Keep your lawn well-manicured and trim back shrubs or bushes to reduce tick habitats. Ticks prefer tall grass and wooded areas, so maintaining a clean landscape will help minimize areas where ticks can hide and latch onto animals or people.

  • Clear Hiding Places
    Clear Hiding Places

    Ticks thrive in areas with yard debris like fallen leaves, grass clippings, and wood piles. Regularly clear these materials from your yard to reduce tick hiding spots and decrease their population.

  • Foundation Treatment
    Foundation Treatment

    Treat the outside foundation of your home with NatureTek products to create a protective barrier. Apply it around the perimeter of your home, especially in areas where ticks might be able to enter. This helps prevent ticks from getting too close to your home and reduces their presence in your yard.

  • Treat Pets With Tick Medication
    Treat Pets With Tick Medication

    To protect your pets from ticks, ensure they are treated with veterinarian-approved tick prevention medication. This helps eliminate ticks on pets and prevents them from bringing ticks indoors.

 
FAQ

Get more information about ticks here.

  • Why do tick infestations happen?

    Tick infestations occur when ticks are able to thrive in areas with high grass, leaf piles, and moisture. Areas with pets or wildlife are also prime spots for ticks to latch on to. Poor yard maintenance and untreated pets can lead to an increase in tick populations.

  • Are ticks dangerous?

    Yes, ticks can be dangerous. They can carry and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. These diseases can have serious health consequences for both humans and pets.

  • Do ticks bite?

    Yes, ticks bite in order to feed on the blood of humans and animals. They latch onto the skin and can remain attached for several days while feeding, which increases the risk of disease transmission.

  • How can I prevent future tick issues?

    Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming grass and clearing yard debris. Use NatureTek treatments around your home’s foundation, and ensure your pets are treated with tick medication. Regularly check yourself and your pets for ticks after being outside.

  • Does NatureTek work on ticks?

    Yes, NatureTek products can help repel ticks and reduce their populations by creating a barrier around your home and yard. This helps prevent ticks from getting too close to your home and decreases the risk of them finding their way indoors.

 
Best Product for Ticks

The best product for solving tick issues is the NatureTek Pro Kit. The products included in that treatment have the residual and transfer effects necessary for long-term control of ticks.

NatureTek Pro Kit

Safe, Effective, Affordable, & No-Commitment