Ticks are tiny — but they carry big health risks.

Regular tick control treatments go a long way toward keeping ticks off your property whether you live in Newton, Framingham, Waltham, or another Metro West community.

But ticks are remarkably resilient. They tolerate extreme temperatures, survive long periods without food, and can live for years. That doesn’t mean we want them lingering in your backyard.

Fortunately, regular tick checks, a few smart property updates, and consistent natural tick control treatments help keep your family and pets protected across Metro West.

What You Can Do to Help Get Rid of Ticks

We’ll handle your regular tick yard treatment, but effective prevention is a team effort. These simple actions, combined with professional spraying, create a stronger defense for your Metro West property:

MOW YOUR LAWN ONCE A WEEK:

Ticks LOVE to hide out in tall grass, so don’t give them the option.

CLEAR OUT ANY LEAFY DEBRIS:

See above! Another favorite hiding place for ticks.

RECONSIDER GROUND COVER:

We love it, too, but unfortunately, so do ticks.

KEEP WOODPILES OUT IN THE SUN:

Shaded wood can get soggy and invite ticks.

CONSIDER ADDING A PERIMETER AROUND YOUR YARD:

Wood chips or small rocks create a barrier against ticks.

PLANT TICK-DETERRENT HERBS:

Lavender, lemon balm and rosemary smell great to us, but ticks hate them.

How (and When) to Check Your Kids for Ticks

Ticks are active in Metro West until the ground freezes solid. We recommend making daily tick checks a habit, especially during spring and fall:

Incorporate tick checks into your child’s bath or bedtime routine.
Check kids before they come inside after playing in woods, tall grass, or dense brush — common around Newton, Framingham, and Wayland.

Quick detection can prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses.

How to Safely Remove a Tick

Ticks are tiny and can be hard to spot: Adult ticks are about the size of an apple seed, while nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed. So break out those reading glasses! If a tick hasn’t attached itself, a lint roller will get it off. If it has, you’re going to need a pair of fine-point tweezers to do the job. (Disinfect them with rubbing alcohol before use.)

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible — you want to prevent tearing the tick’s body, which can spread infection.

Pull upwards in a slow and steady motion and flush the tick down the toilet or save in a plastic bag for testing.

Swab the bite with rubbing alcohol and wash hands with soap and water.

Tip for pets: You can follow the same steps above for pets, but it can be a little trickier, since ticks can be hard to see in their fur. And since your pet is more likely to squirm and wiggle (or maybe not!), we recommend wearing rubber gloves. Not a bad idea with the kids, too.

A few more tips to keep ticks off your pets

Comb your dog or cat daily with a flea comb.

Vacuum at least once a week during tick season, and immediately dispose of bags outside.

Wash pet bedding weekly in hot, soapy water.

Shampoo your dog weekly.

Get a good tick and flea collar for your pet and replace it every six months.

Regular pet care is an essential part of a full natural tick control strategy — helping keep your whole household safe in Metro West, Waltham, and beyond.

Tick Control Service in Metro West