If you've noticed a surge in tick populations in Ohio, you're not alone. Ticks have become a significant concern in the state, with their presence more noticeable than ever before. Several factors contribute to this increase, including reforestation, greater wildlife proximity to populated areas, and the effects of climate change. So, what steps can you take to protect yourself and your loved ones? Check yourself and your pets after being outside for any ticks, wear tick repellent and light-colored clothing to easily spot attached ticks, and keep up with tick treatments for your pets. Additionally, keeping your grass mowed and free of debris can help reduce tick habitats, and signing up for professional tick control treatments can further mitigate the risk of tick bites.

Factors Driving the Rise of Ticks in Ohio

Ticks have become increasingly prevalent in Ohio, with the number of species rising from two to five. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including reforestation efforts, the encroachment of wildlife into populated areas, and the effects of climate change. As a result of this increased tick presence, dealing with these pests has become a year-round concern, as opposed to being limited to certain seasons. Despite the risk persisting throughout the year, ticks are most active between April and September.

One significant factor contributing to the increase of ticks is the expansion of forested areas. Additionally, the growing presence of wildlife near populated areas provides ticks with more opportunities to find hosts, leading to an increase in encounters among humans and pets.

Climate change also plays a role in the spread of ticks. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns create favorable conditions for tick survival and reproduction. These environmental changes enable ticks to establish populations in areas where they were previously uncommon, further intensifying the tick problem in Ohio.

Essential Tips to Safeguard Yourself & Your Pets From Ticks Year-Round

A tick in tweezers with a brown dog in the background in Ohio.

Given the year-round nature of the tick issue, you should take preventative measures to protect yourself and your pets. First and foremost, check yourself and your pets for ticks after being outside, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent. Ticks often attach themselves to skin or fur and can be difficult to spot, so thorough checks are essential. Second, consider wearing tick repellent when outdoors, particularly in areas with dense vegetation or known tick populations. Light-colored clothing can also make it easier to spot ticks that have attached to you.

Third, keep up with tick treatments for your pets. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best tick-prevention methods for your furry friends. Regular treatments can help reduce the risk of tick infestations and the spread of tick-borne diseases. Fourth, maintain your outdoor space by keeping your grass mowed and debris-free. Ticks thrive in tall grass and debris build-up, so tidying your yard can help reduce tick populations around your property.

Finally, consider signing up for professional tick control treatments. Pest control professionals can apply treatments to your yard that target ticks, helping to reduce the risk of tick bites for you and your pets. By following these steps, you can help protect yourself and your pets from ticks and the diseases they can carry.

Black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and lone star ticks are some of the most common types in Ohio.

Call our team and schedule our tick control service today!

At Free Spray Lawn Care, we understand how stressful dealing with ticks can be, but there's no need to worry because we offer a tick control service to keep these pests off your property! Our team serves commercial and residential properties in Mansfield, Wooster, Strongsville, OH, and surrounding cities. Our specialists use precise products to target ticks in your yard, which we'll apply 5-6 times from April until October to provide consistent, overlapping coverage during their most active season. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing you and others are safe from these harmful pests. Schedule our tick control service today by calling us at 419-529-5296.