Watch out, New England! Ticks are back in town, which means so are tick-borne diseases. In addition to the infamous Lyme Disease, Northeastern ticks carry less common pathogens like Human Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan Encephalitis. Without sufficient protection, these carrier ticks can wander right into your backyard on host critters like mice.

If you’re searching for local tick management methods, you may be balancing DIY and professional pest control. Let’s review your tick control options to determine whether DIY or a pro is best for you.

Why Ticks Are a Big Deal in New England

The Northeast has a unique regional problem: A local tick species harbors Lyme disease and spreads it to hikers, gardeners, and even homeowners in their own backyard. Approximately 476,000 people in the United States are treated for Lyme disease every year! This is why effective tick control in New England is so important; without it, your family could be at risk of contracting Lyme.

Meet the Culprits: Common Tick Species in Your Northeast Backyard

• Deer tick (black-legged tick): Most infamously known for its ability to carry and transmit Lyme disease, the deer tick is one nasty bug. It can also spread Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Encephalitis. While it generally likes whitetail deer as its host, don’t be shocked if this tick crawls up your legs from grassy areas! Deer ticks are most active in late spring through summer, so be extra cautious outdoors during this season. It’s roughly the size of a sesame seed with black legs and a black or red body.

• American dog tick: While its appearance might make your skin crawl, it doesn’t spread Lyme. Instead, it can transmit canine babesiosis to dogs. This tick species appears a little earlier, remaining active from early April to August. It’s a bit bigger than the deer tick, with reddish-brown adults growing about the size of an apple seed.

• Brown dog tick: The brown dog tick is an early riser and remains active in March and April. While it doesn’t spread human diseases, it can transmit canine babesiosis to dogs. It’s easily identifiable by its yellow to red legs and dark, almond-shaped body. Note: It has a habit of sneaking indoors on domestic dogs, so check your pups before heading inside!

• Lone Star tick: While less common, the Lone Star tick is another species found in New England. It’s particularly distinct from its cousins due to a unique white marking on its back (hence the Lone Star name).

Natural & Store-Bought Tick Solutions You Can Do Yourself

Are you thinking about DIYing your tick prevention? Some homeowners prefer the all-natural route for personal reasons, such as reducing yard chemicals. If you want to get rid of ticks naturally and discover do-it-yourself tick solutions, you have some options. Some homeowners find sprinkling diatomaceous earth, a powder made of aquatic fossils, helpful in reducing the local tick population because its micro-sharp edges pierce their exoskeletons.

Consider purchasing store-bought acaricides (tick-specific pesticides) like permethrin from your local home and garden store for a more foolproof method. These can be sprayed directly on foliage around the perimeter of your yard and woodland edges. Acaride sprays are especially effective with high pressure and full coverage, so don’t skimp on a good sprayer!

Why Professional Tick Control Goes Above and Beyond

Natural and store-bought pesticides can be a good solution for homeowners on a budget. However, they’ll rarely top the precision and effectiveness of professional tick control! While you could bust your behind spraying and dusting your yard with new products, we recommend leaning on an expert knowledgeable about the local ticks and their choice acaricide product.

MissionGreen offers an All-Natural Mosquito and Tick Control program, so you get the best of both worlds! Our program includes monthly applications starting as early as March and going through November, ensuring you have a consistent shield around your home. Our natural pesticide solution is made with earth-friendly essential oils. When you choose our professional tick solution, you can guarantee a family and pet-friendly experience.

So… DIY or Pro? How to Decide What’s Right for You

The answer is up to you! As local pest control experts, we will always recommend professional applications. Pest control professionals have reliable training and experience in safe pesticide handling to protect the environment and your family. If you still decide to do it yourself, follow the instructions thoroughly and do your research well for a successful application.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Tick-Free Yard With MissionGreen!

Put your family’s safety first—choose professional tick control! MissionGreen proudly provides top-tier tick control to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, leaving customers with safer lawns. Send us a message today to get a quote for CT pest control!