As the weather warms, your summer pest-care needs may swing into full force. Along with the invaders that creep and crawl into your home come those that you'll find hiding in your yard. Ticks are a primary cause for many homeowners' concerns.

When it comes to spring and summer-time pests, ticks are more than just a hassle. While not every tick carries a disease, the number of reported cases of tick-borne illnesses is growing. Even though medical treatments exist for tick-related conditions, the best way to keep yourself and your family safe is prevention.

Pest control professionals can help to reduce the risk of a tick infestation. If you've seen these pests in or around your home, take a look at the some of the most common tick-related questions.

Where and When Are Ticks Found?

Ticks are present outdoors in areas across the U.S. The area where you live is a major factor when it comes to the different types of ticks you may have to deal with. Even though they can be present in the environment during all four seasons, you're more likely to see them when they're active — in the warmer months.

Depending on weather conditions, you may find ticks in your yard, the local park, or anywhere outside any time of year.

Ticks prefer to live in wooded or grass-filled areas and often leave their eggs under decomposing leaves. Ticks pests can also travel into your home. Unlike flying insects, ticks either walk into the interior area or require a host. In most cases, a pet or unknowing human carries the tick into your home. These pests can latch on to your pet’s fur or your clothes and shoes, hitching a ride inside.

Why Are Ticks a Problem?

If your yard is home to these pests, you may have an increased risk of developing a tick-borne illness. Not every species of tick carries harmful viruses or infections. You'll need a pest control professional to identify what kind of ticks are in your area.

Ticks that cause illnesses include American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, Pacific Coast ticks, Western Blacklegged ticks, and Deer ticks. Even though Lyme disease is a well-known tick-borne illness, it isn't the only one. Ticks can transmit a variety of viral and bacterial infections, including (but not limited to) Bourbon virus, Colorado tick fever, Ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, Powassan disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia.

Why Hire a Professional Pest Control Expert?

While repellent sprays can protect you and your family, they aren't foolproof. Likewise, tick medications and collars can keep your dog safe — but not 100 percent of the time. To reduce the risk of tick bites, remove the source of the infestation. This often requires a professional. The pest control expert can assess your yard and create a treatment plan.

Even though removing the ticks from your property is ideal, that doesn't mean they can't (or won't) return. Ticks require a suitable host to feed off of for survival. This often includes deer or rodents. Removing other pests (such as rodents) from your home and yard can help reduce the likelihood that the disease-causing pests will stick around or make a reappearance.

Instead of setting traps or trying to handle outdoor or indoor tick-carrying pests, let the professionals use their expertise to handle the situation. This will help you solve the problem with as little difficulty as possible.

Do you have a pesky pest problem? Contact Pioneer Exterminating Company for more information on solutions. We can identify the types of ticks on your property and find ways to resolve the problem so you can enjoy spending time outside.