Tick Prevention for Northern Virginia Homeowners: Protecting Your Yard and Family

Life is busy. And after a long week at work or getting kids to activities, you probably want to be able to spend your weekends relaxing. But one thing that can really impact your peace of mind is the presence of ticks in your yard.

Unfortunately, here in Northern Virginia, our expanding tick population is due to factors such as our abundant deer population, the suburban development of wooded areas, and even our warmer temperatures. We also happen to be home to the Blacklegged Tick (aka, the “Deer Tick”), which is the primary carrier of Lyme Disease in the US.

For these reasons, we know you’re interested in tick control in Northern Virginia.

Jump to Section

• Are ticks really in my backyard?
• Tick prevention landscaping tips
• Choosing outdoor pest control services
• What about DIY tick control in Arlington, VA and surrounding areas?
• FAQs on tick prevention for yards
• Choosing tick control in Northern Virginia

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best tick prevention strategies that will help keep your yard safe. We know that tick prevention for families and pets is incredibly important for truly enjoying and using your yard as much as possible.

We want to provide you with the education you need to help set you up for success!

Are ticks really in my backyard?

Yes, ticks are commonly found in Northern Virginia backyards…even if you don’t live in the woods.

It used to be that you’d have to go on a trail or into the woods to find ticks. But these days, ticks are increasingly showing up in residential backyards. It’s frustrating that you have to worry about being outside (or sending your kids or pets out) because the tick population is exploding in our region.

With the tick population as a whole expanding, ticks are increasingly ending up on wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and mice. They’ll find any blood meal they can. That might even mean stray cats. If any of these animals then pass through your yard, they’re likely bringing ticks with them. Even many bird species carry ticks, making no yard truly safe!

For that reason, you definitely want to pay attention to how to keep ticks out of your yard. Effective prevention and control steps can help keep your family safe.

Tick prevention landscaping tips

One of the ways that you can have success with tick habitat reduction is to keep your property well-maintained. Ticks tend to hide out in overgrowth. Here are some specific steps you can take to make your yard less hospitable to ticks.

Clear tall grasses and brush

One of the ways to keep ticks out of your yard is to get rid of the type of habitat that they like to live in. Ticks love to hide in tall grasses and brush, so keeping lawns mowed regularly and removing any overgrowth in your landscape can help deter these pests.

Pay attention to border areas

You particularly need to be aware of the areas of your property that border wooded areas, as these will be hot spots. For that reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends creating a three-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas (as well as around patios and playgrounds) to restrict tick migration.

You’ll also want to consider where you have recreation areas, such as patios, decks, or playgrounds. Whenever possible, it’s ideal to keep these away from the yard edge, particularly if you live on wooded property.

Clear yard debris

Since ticks love hiding out, clearing any debris on and around your property can also help.

Remove any trash that may have blown into the yard, and pick up any lingering sticks and leaves. The idea is to eliminate potential hiding spots where ticks could be lurking.

Along with all that, pay attention to any debris or leaves that may have blown into your plant beds and gotten tangled up and “stuck” there. You’ll also want to keep shrubs and bushes well-pruned in these beds.

Mind your woodpiles

Ticks are always in search of their next blood meal and commonly feed on rodents like mice. So, you’ll also want to take steps to discourage rodents from hanging around your yard, as they may carry ticks with them. Oftentimes, woodpiles become a prime hang-out spot for rodents. An uncovered woodpile provides all of the things that rodents are in search of—shelter, water, and food (insects and grubs).

You can help to keep rodents out of your woodpile simply by covering it. Just be sure that you’re keeping airflow available to the wood. Also, choose a dry area and stack the wood neatly. The goal is to limit large gaps or cracks where rodents can build a nest.

As much as people like having wood close to their home, it’s best to choose an area that isn’t right up against the house whenever possible. This could increase the likelihood that pests will make their way inside if they are already hanging out in your woodpile.

Choosing outdoor pest control services

Even if you are taking some of these steps to keep your yard better maintained, you’re still going to want to invest in outdoor pest control services to keep ticks out. Professionally applied tick-control products can safely keep these dangerous pests away.

At Kingstowne, our approach to tick control differs from that of other companies in Alexandria, Arlington, and Springfield, VA: we bundle mosquito, flea, and tick control into a single service plan. Mosquito, flea, and tick control go hand-in-hand when it comes to ensuring that your yard is safe to spend time in. We want you to be protected from all of these dangerous pests.

Along with the mosquito, flea, and tick control program, our lawn care program has a treatment that reduces tick populations

It just so happens that the same areas where mosquitoes thrive are where fleas and ticks thrive, as well. Instead of ripping you off with an extra bill for mosquito control in the same area, with the same material, we lump it all together to ensure you’re fully covered.

What about DIY tick control in Arlington, VA and surrounding areas?

We know that some homeowners ask about store-bought products or even DIY remedies for tick control, but we’ve written an article on why going that route is probably not the best idea.

These types of solutions simply won't stack up to a professional-grade product applied by highly trained technicians. You’ll likely end up disappointed and feeling as though you didn't get the results you desired.

In comparing DIY flea and tick spray to using a professional, the cost is often one of the biggest considerations—and probably also the reason you would even think of performing this service on your own.

However, most people find that professional pest control isn't as expensive as they thought it’d be. And when you start to factor in purchasing tick control products, buying a sprayer, and making trips to the store, you realize even the DIY approach can start to add up in cost.

Plus, there’s no guarantee it’ll work.

If you’re serious about having your yard protected from these dangerous pests, it is worth investing in a pro. Professional outdoor pest control services deliver the best results, giving you true peace of mind. That means getting back outside and spending more time with your family instead of worrying.

FAQs on tick prevention for yards

What attracts ticks to a yard?

Ticks are often attracted to tall brush, leaf litter (and other yard debris), and tall grass, as this is their optimal “hiding spot.” Ticks do not like to be out in the open. But even if you keep a well-maintained yard, ticks are often brought in by wildlife, including deer, mice, rabbits, and other creatures that are passing through.

How do I keep ticks away from my lawn and landscaping?

The best way to keep ticks out of your lawn and landscaping is with professional outdoor pest control services. This involves treating your property with products that will keep these pests out.

Are ticks common in Northern Virginia?

Yes, ticks are very common in Northern Virginia. Our climate and proximity to many wooded areas allow for an abundant tick population.

What landscaping changes help reduce ticks?

Simple landscaping tasks that help with tick habitat reduction include regular lawn mowing, keeping shrubs trimmed, regular leaf and debris cleanup, and keeping woodpiles covered.

Do ticks live in mulch, tall grass, or wooded areas?

Ticks are found in all three, but wooded areas are the most common habitat. That means if you live in an area that borders the woods, you’ll want to be especially careful. However, ticks are commonly showing up in backyards that aren’t near the woods. Since they can be brought in by wildlife, no property is completely safe.

How can I protect my kids and pets from ticks outside?

You can protect your kids and pets with yard management (including the tick-prevention landscaping tips we shared) and by using tick treatments. Professional pest control is the most effective way to keep ticks out and help you regain peace of mind.

Should I hire a professional tick control service?

Yes, professional services will cover you better than any DIY control methods. When it comes to a pest as dangerous as the tick, you want the best control possible.

Choosing Tick Control in Northern Virginia

As you might have guessed, your options are varied when choosing a professional pest control service.

Here in Northern Virginia, many companies offer this type of service. But you want to find a company that delivers peace of mind, so you know your family is in good hands.

At Kingstowne, we have highly trained technicians who use professional-grade, highly effective products. They know exactly the right amount of product to apply and where to apply it, so you can feel confident you’re getting the best possible protection safely.

Plus, as we mentioned, it’s an added bonus that our program also addresses fleas and mosquitoes, two additional dangerous pests that you don’t want lurking around your home.

While the thought of pests hanging around on your property can be a source of major stress, it doesn’t have to be. By making smart choices and taking steps to protect your family, you no longer have to let these pests ruin your time outdoors.

After all, you should never feel as though you have to choose between spending time outdoors and risking your family’s health and well-being. By investing in professional pest control, you can finally feel like you’re getting your yard back.

If you’re ready to stop worrying about the danger of ticks (and fleas and mosquitoes) lurking in your yard in Alexandria, Arlington, or Springfield, VA, request a quote, get your customized plan, and sit back and relax as you get the royal treatment.