Egg
Adult females lay eggs in protected locations. Once the eggs hatch, the ticks enter the larval stage.
Tick Control & Extermination Services
Protect your loved ones and pets with professional tick identification, targeted treatment, habitat management, and follow-up.
Call (619) 421 - 2101About ticks
Small Parasites That Require Careful Control
Adult ticks are often between 3 and 5 millimeters long, although their size varies by species and whether they have recently fed. Ticks are external parasites that feed on blood from people, pets, wildlife, and other animals. They occur around the world and many species thrive in warm, humid environments.
Ticks are arachnids in the order Ixodida, not a single species with one scientific name. Their ancient lineage extends back more than 100 million years, and the species found today differ in preferred habitats, hosts, lifecycle length, and the pathogens they may transmit.
Concerned about ticks around your property?
Call (619) 421 - 2101 →Lifecycle
The Four Stages of a Tick's Lifecycle
Lifecycle length varies by species. Some ticks take two to three years to complete these stages, but that does not mean professional control automatically takes the same amount of time.
Larva
Six-legged larvae commonly seek small hosts such as rodents, birds, and lizards for a blood meal before molting.
Nymph
Eight-legged nymphs seek another host. Their small size can make them difficult to notice on people and animals.
Adult
Adult ticks often feed on larger hosts, including pets and people, before mating and continuing the lifecycle.
Disease awareness
Diseases Associated With Ticks
Ticks are important pests because infected ticks can transmit disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Risk varies by tick species and geographic area; this national list does not mean every disease is commonly transmitted in San Diego.
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Borrelia miyamotoi Disease
Colorado Tick Fever
Ehrlichiosis
Heartland and Bourbon Virus Diseases
Lyme Disease
Powassan Virus Disease
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rickettsia parkeri Rickettsiosis
Tickborne Relapsing Fever
Tularemia
Health notice: Pest control is not medical care. If you are concerned about a tick bite or develop symptoms after a possible exposure, contact a qualified healthcare provider.
Common habitats
Where Ticks May Be Found
Ticks commonly wait for a suitable host in humid, shaded, or overgrown areas around a property. Reducing these conditions can make the landscape less favorable to them.
Larvae and nymphs commonly feed on smaller hosts such as rodents, birds, and lizards, while adults are more often noticed on pets and people.
- 01Areas with excessive leaf litter.
- 02Tall grass and brush around the structure.
- 03Areas with rodent activity or infestations.
- 04Groundcover vegetation such as pachysandra.
- 05Swing sets or children's play areas near a woodland edge.
Can ticks be found indoors?
People and pets can carry ticks inside. Most outdoor tick species do not establish indoor populations, but brown dog ticks are an important exception and can infest homes and kennels. Identification helps determine the appropriate response.
Professional control
How Tick Infestations Are Controlled
Effective control depends on the tick species, lifecycle stage, habitat, host activity, and the extent of the infestation. A long lifecycle does not create a universal treatment timeline.
Inspect and Identify
Inspect activity areas, identify the pest when possible, and determine where ticks and potential hosts are concentrated.
Modify the Habitat
Reduce leaf litter, tall grass, dense groundcover, and other sheltered conditions that support tick activity.
Apply Targeted Treatment
When appropriate, apply a labeled pest-control product to the correct areas based on tick biology and property conditions.
Manage Hosts and Follow Up
Review nearby host activity and monitor results. Some properties may also need separate rodent- or bird-control solutions to help prevent the problem from persisting.
Natural predators are not a complete control plan
Opossums and helmeted guineafowl are sometimes described as natural tick predators. Their presence should not replace property maintenance, host management, monitoring, or properly selected professional treatment.
Official information
Learn More About Ticks
Let us help resolve your tick problem.
GC Termite Control offers affordable general pest control services and prompt assistance for tick activity around San Diego properties.
Professional Inspection
•
Targeted Treatment
•
Follow-Up Guidance