Spring is here—finally! The flowers are blooming; the weather is perfect for hiking or gardening, and it feels amazing to be outside again. But just as you're stretching out in the sunshine, something else is waking up too: ticks. And these tiny troublemakers aren't just annoying—they can carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease.

As much as we love spring in the Valley, it’s also a peak time for tick activity. So, whether you're a backyard gardener, a weekend trailblazer, or a pet parent, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself and your family from these sneaky pests.

Let’s break it down—and talk about how Valley Wide Pest Control can make sure ticks don’t ruin your time outdoors.

What’s the Big Deal About Ticks?

Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids (yep, they’re related to spiders), and they’re more active in warmer months—especially spring and early summer. They love shady, humid environments like tall grasses, leaf piles, and dense brush. Basically, all the places you might hang out or hike through once the weather warms up.

The big concern? Some ticks carry Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Early symptoms may include a rash (often shaped like a bull’s-eye), fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to neurological issues, heart problems, and long-term joint pain.

How Do Ticks Get to You?

Ticks don’t fly or jump. They just wait patiently on blades of grass or shrubs with their front legs outstretched (a behavior called “questing”), ready to latch onto the next warm-blooded creature that brushes by—maybe your dog, your kids, or you.

Once they’re on, they crawl around to find a cozy spot—often behind the knees, under arms, around the waist, or in the hairline—and dig in. Gross, right?

Who’s at Risk?

Honestly? Pretty much anyone who spends time outdoors in spring. That includes:

• Homeowners who mow lawns, tend gardens, or walk pets

• Hikers and campers hitting the trails on weekends

• Kids playing in the yard or neighborhood parks

• Pets (especially dogs) who explore brush or wooded areas

Even if you live in a suburban area, ticks can show up in your backyard—especially if it borders wild spaces or has thick landscaping.

Tips for Tick Safety This Spring

You don’t have to lock yourself indoors, but it’s smart to take a few precautions:

1. Dress Smart

When heading outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and tuck your pants into your socks (yes, it’s a look). Light-colored clothing helps you spot ticks more easily.

2. Use Tick Repellent

Choose repellents with DEET, picaridin, or permethrin (for clothing). There are also natural options like oil of lemon eucalyptus if you prefer a plant-based approach.

3. Do Tick Checks

After spending time outside, check your body (and your kids’ and pets’) for ticks. Look behind the ears, around the waist, in the hair, and underarms—basically all the hidden spots.

4. Shower Off

Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help wash away ticks before they attach.

5. Protect Your Pets

Talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats. Also, check them after walks, especially if they’ve been through tall grass.

Don’t Forget the Yard: Your First Line of Defense

Your backyard could be a tick haven without you even knowing it. Overgrown grass, damp wood piles, and leaf litter all create the perfect tick-friendly habitat.

Here’s how to make your outdoor space less inviting to ticks:

• Keep lawns mowed and edges trimmed

• Remove leaf piles and debris

• Stack firewood in dry, sunny areas

• Create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas

• Keep playground equipment and patios away from yard edges and shrubs

But even with all that, ticks can still find a way in—especially if you live near wooded or rural areas. That’s where Valley Wide Pest Control comes in.

How Valley Wide Pest Control Can Help

At Valley Wide Pest Control, we know how important it is to keep your home and yard safe—not just from nuisance pests, but from the ones that can actually affect your health.

Our Tick Control Services Include:

✅ Yard Inspections – We identify tick hotspots and advise you on what to clean up or trim back.

✅ Targeted Treatments – Our pet- and family-safe treatments apply to high-risk areas (edges, shrubs, under decks) to knock out ticks where they live and breed.

✅ Ongoing Prevention Plans – Because ticks don’t take a break, neither do we. Our seasonal treatments help keep your yard protected all spring and summer long.

✅ Peace of Mind – No one wants to worry about Lyme disease after a relaxing day outside. Let us help you enjoy your outdoor space without the stress.

Whether you're dealing with ticks right now or just want to stay ahead of the game, we’ve got your back (and your backyard).

Final Thoughts

Spring is meant for outdoor fun—not tick bites and Lyme disease worries. With a little awareness and some simple precautions, you can enjoy the season without fear. And with Valley Wide Pest Control on your team, you can make sure your yard stays a tick-free zone all year long.

👉 Ready to take back your yard? Call Valley Wide Pest Control today to schedule your tick inspection and stay protected this spring!