One may not think that ticks are a problem in early spring, but nothing could be further from the truth. Did you know that ticks survive all year long? During the harsh winter months, ticks stay attached to their hosts, giving warmth needed for survival. In doing so the tick is constantly passing on pathogens into the host. These pathogens are what promote tick borne diseases or TBD.  

This article’s purpose is to introduce two very common ticks in Indiana and describe ways that the homeowner can plan to make spring, summer and fall more pleasant by being proactive in limiting a large tick population on your property resulting in a more comfortable and disease-free area.  

Ticks are arthropods more closely related to mites and spiders than insects. As adults they develop eight legs, but in the larval stage they only have six legs. The two extra adult legs are instrumental in helping them find new hosts. This activity is known as “questing”. Questing is the act of a tick holding onto a weed or leaf while its two front legs are outstretched at the ready to attach to a new unsuspecting host passing by. When ticks attach to the host, their saliva contains an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory property which allows the tick to feed without the host knowing it is even attached and where silent transmission of pathogens may take place.

Although there are many ticks in Indiana, the two important species are:

  • the black-legged tick also known as the deer tick which is the only species known to transmit Lyme disease and 
  • the dog tick which is known to transmit rocky mountain spotted fever.   

Both diseases are dangerous to humans. 

Planning for good tick control uses at least two forms of control.

  1. It is beneficial to change areas that are conducive to tick populations. Because ticks do not like well-trimmed areas, removing low hanging limbs from trees and bushes where human traffic is common, reducing leaf litter, and grooming woody or overgrown grassy areas where humans live and play can reduce large populations.
  2. Pesticide treatment of these areas will also be beneficial. Treating lawns that are in the full sun is normally not necessary. 

Developing a tick prevention pest control plan from a licensed pest control company can be very beneficial. Treatments should start early (spring) and in most cases spring, summer and fall treatments are sufficient for good control in properly managed areas. 

Do not be the victim of tick-borne illness. Start a tick control plan as soon as possible. Wearing repellants while working outdoors is always advisable.