Ticks may be tiny — but the risks they bring are anything but small.

They’re tough, they’re stealthy, and they can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. That’s why families across towns like Dublin, Delaware, Worthington, and Powell rely on ohDEER for effective, eco-friendly tick control in Northwest Columbus.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent Ticks

While we take care of the spraying, tick prevention works best when homeowners pitch in too. Here’s how you can help keep your yard less appealing to ticks:

Mow Weekly

Ticks love tall grass. Keeping your lawn trimmed gives them fewer places to hide.

Clear Out Leaf Litter

Fallen leaves are one of the top hiding spots for ticks.

Rethink Ground Cover

Dense vegetation may look great, but it’s a tick magnet.

Sun Your Woodpiles

Damp, shaded wood is an open invitation to ticks.

Add a Gravel or Mulch Perimeter

This dry zone helps stop ticks from wandering closer.

Plant Tick-Repellent Herbs

Try lavender, rosemary, and lemon balm — they smell great and keep ticks away.

Tick Checks: When and How

Ticks don’t take much time off — especially in Ohio’s unpredictable seasons. We recommend:

Daily checks during spring and fall
Before kids come in from wooded areas or high grass
After hikes, walks, or outdoor play in areas like parks or trails in Northwest Columbus

Make tick checks a quick part of your evening routine — it’s one of the best ways to catch them early.

Safe Tick Removal (for People and Pets)

Found a tick? Don’t panic — quick and careful removal can help reduce the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps to safely remove ticks from skin or fur:

If the tick is not attached:
Use a lint roller or a piece of sticky tape to gently lift it off skin, clothing, or fur before it has a chance to latch on.

If the tick is attached:

Use a pair of sterilized fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin.
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, or place it in a sealed plastic bag if you’d like to have it tested for disease.

After removal:

Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.
Monitor the bite site over the next few days for any signs of redness, swelling, or a rash — and consult a healthcare provider if anything seems unusual.

Pet tip:
Ticks are especially tricky to spot on furry friends. Wear gloves when checking your dog or cat, and pay special attention to hidden areas like:

Between the toes
Under the collar
Inside the ears and behind them
Around the tail and under the front legs

Regular checks after walks or outdoor play can go a long way in preventing tick-borne illnesses in pets and people alike.

Extra Tips to Keep Ticks Off Your Pets

Your pets are close to the ground — which makes them prime tick targets.

Keep them protected with a few simple habits:

Use a flea comb daily during peak season

Vacuum regularly and dispose of bags outside

Wash pet bedding weekly in hot, soapy water

Bathe your dog weekly with a vet-approved shampoo

Use a quality tick and flea collar — replace it every 6 months

These tips complement our flea and tick control services in Dublin, Delaware, Worthington, Powell, and other Nowrtwest Columbus communities and give your furry friends an extra layer of defense.

Keep ticks off your kids, pets, and property with smart prevention and all-natural protection.

Ticks may be tiny — but the risks they bring are anything but small.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent Ticks