During Tick Awareness Week (May 3-9, 2026), the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is urging Americans to take tick prevention seriously as activity ramps up nationwide.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest level for this time of year since 2017. That said, avoiding ticks is about more than what you wear outside; it’s also about how you maintain your home and yard environment.
Ticks can carry diseases like:
That’s why tick bite prevention starts before you even step outdoors. And since many symptoms can feel like a common cold, awareness and early action are critical.
Ticks thrive in damp, shaded, and undisturbed areas, and many of them are closer to your home than you think. Which we realize is not particularly comforting news.
Common tick hotspots around homes include:
These are all areas where backyard tick prevention starts with simple maintenance processes — and these are all areas where HY-C can assist.
Most advice focuses on repellents, but one of the biggest drivers of tick risk is your property layout and maintenance habits.
Ticks thrive in humid environments.
Organic buildup creates shelter for ticks, which is why consistent yard maintenance plays a key role in reducing their presence.
Ticks often enter your property on animals.
To reduce ticks in your yard, start with these steps:
These small changes can significantly lower your overall tick exposure risk.
Simple upgrades — like improving lawn care efficiency, storing firewood off the ground, and adding protective features such as vent guards or foundation screens — can all help create a less inviting environment for ticks around your home.
Property maintenance works best when paired with personal tick protection:
Tick prevention starts at home.
By improving your yard maintenance, reducing moisture, and limiting wildlife access, you can create an environment where ticks and the animals that carry them are less likely to thrive.
You can start with a quick inspection of your home’s exterior:
Tick prevention starts at home.
By improving your yard maintenance, reducing moisture, and limiting wildlife access, you can create an environment where ticks and the animals that carry them are less likely to thrive.
You can start with a quick inspection of your home’s exterior:
Keeping your home properly maintained is one of the most reliable ways to help prevent long-term pest problems, not just during Tick Awareness Week but throughout the year. For more details about pests and to locate a licensed pest control pro in your area, visit www.PestWorld.org, and explore additional tick education resources at www.TickTalk.org.