At ohDEER Metro West, our mission to protect families, pets, and communities from tick-borne illnesses goes beyond residential yards. Through our T.I.C.K. (Take Initiative Check Kids) and T.I.C.K9 programs, we offer free eco-friendly tick and mosquito control services to preschools and pet care centers across Newton, Framingham, Waltham, and surrounding areas.
Take Initiative Check Kids (T.I.C.K.) is our way of helping kids stay safe outdoors. We provide complimentary tick and mosquito spraying for preschools throughout Metro West using our all-natural, non-toxic solutions.
We also supply educational resources for teachers to send home, helping parents understand how to check for ticks and protect their children from tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and Powassan virus.
After a hike, park day, or backyard play session, use this quick checklist to perform a thorough tick check:
If you find a tick on your child or pet, don’t panic. Removing it quickly and properly is key to reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Grab a pair of fine-point tweezers and sterilize them with rubbing alcohol. This allows for a more precise grip, especially with small nymph ticks.
Get close to the skin: Carefully grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. This helps avoid leaving behind any mouthparts.
Pull straight up in a slow, steady motion. Avoid twisting or jerking — this could break the tick and increase infection risk.
Clean the bite site thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Dispose of the tick safely: Flush it down the toilet or seal it in a plastic bag if you want to send it for lab testing.
Pets are family, too — and they deserve protection. That’s why we launched T.I.C.K9, a natural extension of our Take Initiative Check Kids program. Ticks can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses to dogs and cats just as easily as to people. Our goal is to remind pet owners to check their K9s (and Kats!) regularly and take the same precautions you would for your children. A quick check goes a long way in keeping your pets happy, healthy, and tick-free.
For more information about checking your pet for ticks, visit the CDC website!
T.I.C.K9 isn’t just about protection — it’s about partnership. We regularly collaborate with local veterinarians, shelters, and pet care centers in Newton, Waltham, Framingham, and surrounding towns to help educate and protect the animals you love.
Interested in working with us?
Call 508-358-0808 to see how ohDEER Metro West can support your organization with free educational tools and eco-friendly tick prevention.
