tick and lyme disease in Ontario

Ticks and Lyme Disease in Ontario: What You Need to Know Now

Ticks are no longer just a concern in cottage country. Over the past few years, Southern Ontario homeowners have seen more ticks showing up in their backyards—along with the growing risk of Lyme disease. If you spend time outside, especially in grassy or wooded areas, you need to know what’s happening and how to protect your family. 

The good news? Tick control can make your lawn tick friendly. Let’s walk through what you should know—and how we can help you stay safe and comfortable at home. 

Why Are Ticks Becoming a Bigger Problem in Ontario? 

Ticks, especially black-legged ticks, are spreading faster than ever. A big reason is our warming climate. Longer and warmer summers are giving ticks more time to feed, breed, and survive. As a result, areas that didn’t have ticks a few years ago are now on the map. 

In Ontario, tick populations are growing in both rural and urban areas—including backyards, parks, and trails. That means homeowners need to stay alert, not just campers and hikers. 

What’s the Risk of Lyme Disease? 

Blacklegged ticks can carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. If a tick carrying this bacteria bites you and stays attached long enough (usually 24–36 hours), it can pass the infection to your bloodstream. Lyme disease symptoms can include: 

  • Fatigue 
  • Fever and chills 
  • Headaches 
  • Joint pain 
  • A circular, expanding rash (not always visible) 

If left untreated, Lyme can lead to more serious long-term issues like nerve pain, heart problems, and ongoing fatigue. 

Where Do Ticks Hide in Your Yard? 

Ticks prefer shady, damp areas with ample cover. You’ll usually find the following: 

  • In tall grass or weeds 
  • Along fence lines 
  • Under shrubs and garden beds 
  • Around piles of leaves or wood 
  • Near stone walls or shaded pathways 

They don’t jump or fly. Instead, they crawl onto animals or humans as they brush past. Keeping your yard trimmed, clear, and properly treated goes a long way in keeping ticks out. 

How You Can Make Your Lawn Less Tick-Friendly 

Here’s the good news: a few smart changes can make your outdoor space much safer. Here’s where to start: 

  • Mow your lawn regularly: Shorter grass means fewer hiding spots for ticks. 
  • Keep garden edges tidy: Ticks thrive along borders between lawns and wooded areas. 
  • Rake and remove leaves: Don’t let piles of damp leaves build up. 
  • Trim back bushes and shrubs: Sunlight helps dry out areas where ticks like to hide. 
  • Stack wood neatly and in a dry spot: Ticks love moist woodpiles. 
  • Create a buffer zone: Use gravel or wood chips between your lawn and wooded areas. 

Even with these steps, ticks can still make their way into your yard. That’s where our team comes in. 

Professional Tick Control That Works 

DIY solutions only go so far. Store-bought sprays may offer short-term relief, but they rarely address the bigger problem—how ticks are reproducing and surviving in your space. 

We offer professional tick control treatments that: 

  • Target the areas where ticks live and breed 
  • Are safe for your family and pets 
  • Reduce the tick population season after season 
  • Help prevent future infestations 

Our team doesn’t just spray and leave. We assess your property, identify high-risk zones, and recommend the best schedule to keep your yard tick-free. 

Protecting Your Family Starts at Home 

Ticks don’t care if you live in the city, the suburbs, or the country. If your lawn gives them the right conditions, they’ll move in. And once they’re there, every trip outside—whether it’s gardening, playing with the kids, or letting your dog out—comes with risk. You don’t have to let that happen. 

With regular lawn maintenance, expert advice, and proven treatments, you can enjoy your yard without worrying about what’s hiding in the grass. 

Let’s Keep Ticks Out of Your Yard 

The rise of ticks and Lyme disease in Ontario is real—but it’s something you can control. Our lawn care experts are ready to help you take the first step toward a safer, healthier yard. Whether you’ve seen ticks already or want to stay ahead of the problem, we’ll build a plan that works for you. Contact us today to schedule your mosquito and tick control program to ensure the safety of your health and backyard.