Tick Prevention 101

Ticks are not only a nuisance but also a health risk, capable of transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Understanding how to prevent tick infestations and protect your home and family is essential.

Understanding Ticks

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that thrive in wooded and grassy areas. They can attach to humans and animals, making them unwelcome visitors in your home and yard.

Tick Prevention Tips

1. Keep Your Yard Tidy
   • Mow Regularly: Keep grass short and remove leaf litter.
   • Clear Brush: Eliminate tall grasses and brush around your home and at the edge of your yard.
   • Create a Barrier: Place a 3-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas to restrict tick migration.
2. Protect Yourself and Your Pets
   • Wear Protective Clothing: When in tick-prone areas, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks. Tuck pants into socks to create a barrier.
   • Use Tick Repellents: Apply EPA-approved tick repellents on exposed skin and clothing. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin are effective.
   • Check for Ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as underarms, groin, and scalp.
3. Pet Protection
   • Tick Control Products: Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian. Options include collars, topical treatments, and oral medications.
   • Regular Checks: Inspect pets for ticks daily, especially after they’ve been outdoors.
4. Tick-Proof Your Home
   • Seal Entry Points: Ensure that doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent ticks from entering your home.
   • Clean and Vacuum: Regularly clean and vacuum your home, particularly pet bedding and upholstered furniture.
5. Professional Pest Control
   • Tick Treatments: Consider professional tick treatments for your yard. Pest control experts can apply safe and effective treatments to reduce tick populations.
   • Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to identify and address potential tick infestations early.

Preventing ticks requires a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining your yard, protecting yourself and your pets, and possibly seeking professional pest control services. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and ensure a safer environment for your family and pets.

Lincoln Pest and Property Solutions is a locally owned and operated business serving Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts. As one of the leading pest control companies in RI, our mission for over 35 years has been simple: Provide innovative and effective pest control solutions for your home or business, while maintaining a safe environment. We use the latest in eco-friendly technology to keep your home or place of business safe and pest free.