Request a Quote

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are a type of arachnid with wingless, oval-shaped bodies, eight legs, and no antennae. Their sole source of food is blood from warm-blooded hosts. After climbing onto a host, they use their specialized mouthparts to attach and feed on its blood. As the tick feeds, their body expands after they finish (a process that can take many days). They then fall off their host and onto the ground where they wait for a new host to come by. Most tick species require a new host for each stage of development. Ticks are common parasitic pests that we come into contact with regularly. There are many species of ticks living throughout the United States; in Tennessee, two of the most common species are the dog tick and deer tick. Both of their descriptive names tell you what their favorite host is. However, both deer ticks and dog ticks feed on a variety of hosts, including wild animals, people, and pets.

Are ticks dangerous?

Ticks are dangerous because of the health risks they pose to people and our pets. The problems they pose include the following:

The deer tick is responsible for spreading Lyme disease throughout Tennessee and across the country.
Ticks also spread many other diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis.
People that are allergic to a tick’s saliva may develop an allergic reaction to tick bites.
Ticks not only spread diseases that affect people but to our pets as well, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.

Why do I have a tick problem?

Ticks are a problem for you because they thrive throughout the state of Tennessee. Our warm weather, humidity, plentiful vegetation, and large populations of wildlife make it easy for ticks to thrive. Ticks can become a problem in any yard or other outdoor space. They get onto our properties on the backs of wild animals. They are also brought back to yards by our pets after they spend time at a park, in a wooded area, at the vet’s office, or a kennel.

Where will I find ticks?

Most species of ticks, including deer ticks, are not able to breed indoors, their eggs need to be in moist soil to develop. Ticks are rarely a pest that causes problems for us in our home. The exception to this rule is the dog tick, as they can breed inside. Dog ticks are most problematic in kennels and boarding facilities.

When ticks are not on a host feeding, they’re hanging out in areas where they are likely to come into contact with a host. The edges of wooded trails, fields, grass next to ponds, and in the tall grass along roadways or fence lines are common resting spots for ticks.

How do I get rid of ticks?

The task of eliminating ticks from your Tennessee property should be left to a professional. At Colonial Pest Control, we have 50 years of combined pest control experience. We know pests and how to eliminate them from properties once and for all!

We guarantee our results and take pride in treating our customers like family. We are a local company dedicated to using only the most efficient, cutting-edge services possible. If you are looking for exceptional pest solutions for your Knoxville area home or business, contact the pest professionals here at Colonial Pest Control today!

How can I prevent ticks in the future?

In addition to our professional pest control services, take the time necessary to implement these easy-to-execute prevention tips:

Always stay at the center of a walking trail.
Keep the grass in your yard cut short.
Cut any wooded areas back away from your property line.
Remove leaf piles and other debris from your yard.
When spending time outside, especially in wooded areas, wear a tick repellent. It also helps to wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks.
After spending time outdoors, inspect yourself, kids, and pets for ticks.
Get rid of stray ticks from your home by vacuuming regularly and washing pet bedding.
Work with your veterinarian to get your pets on a year-round flea and tick preventative treatment.