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Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Although their size makes them easy to overlook, their impact on health and comfort can be significant.
Ticks can be found in wooded areas, fields, and even residential yards where wildlife is active. They prefer humid environments with vegetation that allows them to wait for passing hosts. JP Pest Services helps families across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts identify and control ticks through professional pest management strategies. If you understand ticks and the risks they pose, you will be more equipped to protect yourself and your family from the illnesses they can spread.
Ticks are flat and oval before feeding, and their bodies expand as they consume blood from a host. Ticks are sometimes mistaken for other small pests like bed bugs or fleas, as all three are small and feed on blood. However, ticks can be distinguished by their eight legs (compared to six on bed bugs and fleas), their slower crawling movement, and the fact that they attach firmly to the skin rather than biting and moving away. Their color varies from reddish brown to dark brown or black, depending on the species. Ticks have no wings, and no antennae. Because of their small size and ability to blend into their surroundings, they can easily go unnoticed until they have already attached.
While several species are found in New England, the most recognizable species are the American Dog Tick and the Blacklegged Tick. Each has distinct markings and preferred habitats, and both can transmit tick-borne diseases that affect humans and animals. Knowing these differences helps determine the level of risk and the most effective way to manage infestations.
The American Dog Tick, Dermacentor variabilis, is one of the most common tick species in the Northeast and is easily identified by its larger size and reddish-brown body with cream or silver markings. It prefers open, grassy areas, such as trails, meadows, and roadsides, where it attaches to passing hosts, including dogs and humans. Although it does not transmit Lyme disease, it can spread illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, making prompt attention to bites important.
The Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis, also known as the Deer Tick, is smaller but poses a greater health risk as the primary carrier of Lyme disease in New England. It thrives in humid, shaded environments such as wooded areas, leaf litter, and tall grass where deer and rodents are active. This species can transmit Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, and early removal after a bite significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Controlling ticks requires a careful approach that addresses both current infestations and the environmental conditions that allow them to thrive. JP Pest Services offers professional tick management programs tailored to the unique challenges of the New England climate.
JP Pest Services applies targeted treatments that reduce tick populations while minimizing environmental impact. These treatments focus on tick nests, and where people and pets are most likely to be exposed.
Ticks are most active during the warmer months, but preparation in early spring can significantly reduce their presence later in the season. Scheduling regular tick control services helps protect your outdoor spaces, keeping your yard comfortable and your family healthier throughout the year.
Since 1925, JP Pest Services has proudly protected homeowners and businesses across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. If you have noticed ticks on your pets, in your yard, or near wooded areas of your property, our experienced team is ready to help you identify, control, and prevent tick infestations with precision and care.
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Ticks are often found in tall grass, leaf litter, wooded areas, and shaded spots where wildlife, such as deer or rodents, travel.
Yes, ticks can transmit serious diseases to both humans and pets through their bites, making prompt removal and prevention essential.
Ticks don’t usually invade homes because they need high humidity and a host to survive, conditions that are not found indoors. If they are brought inside on pets or clothing, they usually die within a short time due to the dry environment.
Ticks can spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other bacterial or parasitic infections.