Ticks

Ticks are small, blood-feeding parasites that live in tall grass, wooded edges, and leaf litter around Memphis-area yards. They attach to people and pets and can spread serious diseases, so reducing ticks in your yard is an important part of protecting your family.

Common Ticks in Tennessee

• Lone star tick – the most common tick in West Tennessee. Adult females have a single white spot on the back. Linked to ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
• American dog tick – brown with whitish markings. The main carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Blacklegged (deer) tick – small and dark. Can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses.
• Brown dog tick – can live and breed indoors where dogs sleep.

Health Risks From Tick Bites

Tick-borne illnesses in Tennessee include spotted fever rickettsiosis (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever), ehrlichiosis, and alpha-gal syndrome. Symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, or fatigue after a tick bite should be checked by a doctor right away.

When Ticks Are Most Active

Ticks are most active from early spring through late summer, but they can be found any month when temperatures are mild. Nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed, are easy to miss and are most common in late spring and early summer.

How to Reduce Ticks in Your Yard

• Keep grass mowed short and clear tall weeds and brush.
• Remove leaf litter and create a gravel or mulch barrier between lawn and wooded areas.
• Keep firewood stacked neatly and away from the house.
• Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention on dogs and cats.
• Check yourself, your kids, and your pets after time outdoors.
• Schedule regular yard treatments during peak tick season.

Tick FAQs

How do I remove a tick safely?

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Do not twist, crush, or burn the tick.

Can ticks live inside my house?

Most ticks cannot survive long indoors, but the brown dog tick can complete its life cycle inside homes with dogs. Treating pets and the areas where they rest is key.

Get Help From Foundation Pest Control

Foundation Pest Control serves Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South. If ticks are becoming a problem around your home or business, request a free quote or learn more about our Tick Control service.