The Bay Area hills are one of our region’s great natural assets — open space, trails, and wildlife just minutes from urban neighborhoods. They’re also prime tick habitat, particularly for the western black-legged tick, the primary carrier of Lyme disease in California.
When and Where Bay Area Ticks Are Most Active
The western black-legged tick is active during cooler, wetter months — typically October through May is peak season for nymphs, which are responsible for most Lyme disease transmission. Don’t be fooled by the cooler weather: this is when the risk is actually highest, not summer.
High-risk habitats include grassland-shrub transition zones, wooded edges, and areas with dense leaf litter. This describes much of the Bay Area’s open space and, increasingly, landscaped yards that border parks and undeveloped hillside areas.
Protecting Yourself on the Trail
- Stay on established trails and avoid brushing against vegetation
- Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot
- Tuck pants into socks when hiking through dense brush
- Apply EPA-registered tick repellent (DEET or permethrin for clothing)
- Do a thorough tick check immediately after returning — nymphal ticks are tiny but findable
- Check pets thoroughly and treat them with veterinarian-recommended tick prevention
If You Find an Attached Tick
Remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers — grasp as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist, crush, or apply heat. Clean the bite area and monitor for symptoms. If a rash develops or you feel unwell within 30 days, contact your physician and mention the tick exposure.
For tick control on your property, contact ATCO. Our tick management program targets high-risk areas around your home with effective, IPM-based treatment.