Deer ticks, also called Black-legged Ticks, are small arachnids common in the eastern, north central, and mid-Atlantic US. Adult deer ticks are reddish-brown with black legs, while nymphs are poppy-seed-sized. They tend to thrive most commonly in moist, shaded environments like forests, tall grasses, leaf litter, and the "ecotone" (edge areas) where woods meet lawns, meadows, or fields.

These ticks require blood meals to survive and primarily feed on mice and deer, although they often latch onto humans in wooded areas. However, they do not jump or fly–rather, they position themselves on the tips of grass or shrubs with their front legs outstretched, ready to latch onto an unsuspecting host. They will then crawl to a warm, protected area such as a groin, armpit, or scalp before biting. Once they bite, they can “glue” themselves in place for days while they feed.

Hawx professionals provide targeted applications using industrial-grade acaricides that go beyond DIY methods. They leverage their expertise in tick biology, treating key breeding grounds like stone walls and perimeters rather than just lawns. This effectively disrupts the lifecycle, reducing populations significantly more than DIY spot-treatments. In fact, professional barrier sprays can reduce tick populations by 90% or more, and are highly recommended if you live in a high-risk area for Lyme disease or have children and pets. Contact Hawx today for a free inspection to get a prevention and treatment plan customized for your home and yard that minimizes the serious health risks of ticks.