Few pests send a chill down your spine like ticks. These tiny arachnids hide in grass, brush, and even your backyard landscaping, waiting for a passing host — often an unsuspecting pet or family member. Beyond the immediate discomfort, ticks carry serious health risks, including Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Bay Area Tick Species to Know
Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) — The most significant tick in the Bay Area from a public health perspective. This species is the primary vector of Lyme disease in California. Active in cool, moist conditions — peak activity is December through May on the Peninsula, East Bay hills, and Marin County. Nymphal ticks (the size of a poppy seed) are responsible for most Lyme disease transmission.
American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) — Larger and more visible than the western black-legged tick. Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. More active in drier, warmer months.
How to Reduce Tick Exposure
- Keep grass mowed short and remove leaf litter from yard edges
- Create a wood chip or gravel barrier between lawn and wooded areas
- Treat pets with veterinarian-recommended tick prevention year-round
- Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or working in dense vegetation
- Do a full-body tick check after outdoor activities — pay attention to behind knees, armpits, scalp, and waistband
- Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors from tick-prone areas
Tick Control for Your Yard
Professional tick treatments can significantly reduce tick populations in your yard, particularly in areas near wooded edges and dense vegetation. ATCO provides tick management services focused on reducing habitat and applying targeted treatments in high-risk areas. Contact us for an assessment.