Tick Solutions. to Help Prevent Disease.

West Virginia consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for Lyme disease cases. The state's extensive forests, tall grass, and abundant deer population create prime habitat for the blacklegged (deer) tick, the primary carrier of Lyme disease. Effective tick control — both on your property and through personal protection — is a serious health concern for WV residents.

TICK SPECIES IN WEST VIRGINIA

Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) — also called the deer tick — is the primary vector for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Nymphs are the size of a poppy seed and are responsible for most Lyme transmissions. The American Dog Tick is larger, more visible, and transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The Lone Star Tick is present in southern WV and can transmit ehrlichiosis and, in some cases, trigger alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy).

TICK HABITAT ON YOUR PROPERTY

Ticks don't jump or fly — they wait on vegetation and latch on as a host brushes past. High-risk zones on residential properties include:
- The border between lawn and wooded or brushy areas ("the transition zone")
- Tall grass, leaf litter, and brush piles
- Along stone walls and fence lines
- Under decks and porches
- Areas where deer and wildlife travel through the yard

HOMEOWNER PREVENTION TIPS

1. Create a 3-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between the lawn and wooded areas — ticks rarely cross dry, sunny zones.
2. Mow grass regularly and keep it short, especially along wooded edges.
3. Remove leaf litter, brush piles, and old furniture from the yard — prime tick resting habitat.
4. Stack firewood neatly and in a sunny location.
5. Install deer-proof fencing if deer pressure is high on your property.
6. After spending time outdoors, do a full body tick check — paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
7. Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors and tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes.
8. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention for pets.

HOW WE TREAT FOR TICKS

Pest Control WV applies targeted tick control treatments to the high-risk transition zones on your property — the lawn-to-woods border, brush areas, and shaded zones. Treatments use residual pesticides effective against ticks at all active life stages. We also offer guidance on habitat modification to reduce tick pressure long-term. Seasonal programs keep protection active through peak tick season (spring through fall).