As the weather warms up in Upstate New York, we’re eager to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. However, spring also marks the beginning of peak tick season. 

While many people assume ticks disappear in the winter, they can actually stay active year-round, even with snow on the ground. This means that as soon as we start spending more time outside in springtime, we increase our risk of coming in contact with ticks. 

Protecting your family and pets is essential to preventing tick bites and the potential health risks they carry.

Where Do Kids and Pets Come in Contact with Ticks?

Ticks thrive in areas with tall grass, brush, and wooded spaces, but they can also be found in some surprising places. Here are common spots where your family and pets might pick up ticks:

• Leaf piles
• Tall grasses and brush
• Wooded areas and tree lines
• Swing sets or play areas near vegetation
• Under decks where leaf litter accumulates

They are most often found in these areas because ticks prefer cool, shaded areas over open grass. So you are less likely to come across them in your yard, especially if the grass is kept short.

The Dangers of Tick Bites: Health & Safety Concerns

The biggest and most well-known concern with tick bites is the risk of disease transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of vector-borne diseases in the United States result from tick bites.

While Lyme disease is the most commonly known illness caused by ticks, there are others to be aware of, including:

• Babesiosis: A lesser-known disease that can cause flu-like symptoms
• Anaplasmosis: Can lead to fever, muscle aches, and chills
• Tularemia: A bacterial infection that can cause skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes
• Other tick-borne illnesses: The list continues to grow as more research is done

Thomas Pest Services’ Effective Tick Prevention

Taking proactive steps to prevent tick bites is crucial for your health and safety. Thomas Pest Services offers professional tick control services designed to keep your property safe.

Here’s what you need to know about our effective tick prevention methods:

We target the areas where ticks hide, including property outskirts, tree lines, brush, and under decks—rather than treating open lawn areas where ticks are unlikely to be found.

Our monthly tick prevention treatment is organic, using Eco Via, a plant-based botanical oil formula. While organic treatment is safer for your kids and pets, it requires monthly maintenance to keep tick populations in check.

Tick populations fluctuate throughout the year, spiking in the spring, dipping in the summer, and rising again in the fall. This cycle prompts us to begin our tick prevention services in April and continue through October-November in the Northeast.

A tick’s life cycle lasts 1-3 years, so starting up in spring is important to prevent young nymphs from molting into adults. Our fall treatments set you up for success in the spring, reducing the tick population before they become active again.

Additional Steps to Protect Your Family

In addition to professional tick control services, you can take these precautions to minimize your risk:

• Dress appropriately: Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
• Create a barrier: Use mulch around swing sets and child play areas to deter ticks.
• Perform tick checks: After spending time outdoors, check behind ears, along the hairline, and in elbow creases where ticks like to hide.
• Shower after outdoor activities: This can help wash off any ticks before they attach.
• Use tick repellents: Apply tick repellent to children before outdoor play.
• Give pets tick prevention treatments: Consult your veterinarian for the best tick-preventative medications for your pets.
• Remove ticks immediately if found: For information on the proper way to remove a tick, visit our blog post on How to Remove a Tick.

Stay Ahead of Tick Season

By taking the right precautions and working with experts like Thomas Pest Services, you can protect your family and loved ones from tick bites. As a member of the National Pest Management Association, we’re committed to providing safe, effective tick prevention for your home.

Ready to take control of ticks in your yard this spring? Contact us today to learn more about our organic tick treatment services and enjoy a safer outdoor season!

📞 Call us at 518-861-4921!