How to Get Rid of Blacklegged Ticks
Also called the deer tick, a small tick with a dark shield and, in adult females, a reddish-orange rear body. It waits on grass and brush to latch onto passing people and animals. If you are seeing them in woods and along trails and in lawns and grass, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin
- Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors
- Keep grass short and a wood-chip border between lawn and woods
Blacklegged ticks transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis; remove attached ticks promptly.
Confirm you have blacklegged ticks
Correct identification matters, because the right fix for blacklegged ticks differs from the fix for their lookalikes. Adults measure 1–5 mm (up to about 0.20 in) and are usually black, red and brown. Look for these features:
- Dark black legs and shield
- Adult females with an orange-red rear body
- Nymphs about the size of a poppy seed
They are most often confused with American dog tick and lone star tick. See the full blacklegged tick profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have blacklegged ticks
Blacklegged Ticks live outdoors and find people by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat and movement. Tall grass, brush, standing water and shady, humid areas support large populations. Pets and wildlife can carry them close to the house. They are most active in spring, summer and fall, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see blacklegged ticks
Blacklegged Ticks are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: woods or trails and lawn or grass.
Step-by-step: getting rid of blacklegged ticks
Step 1: Use permethrin-treated clothing
Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Step 2: Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors
Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Step 3: Keep grass short
Keep grass short and a wood-chip border between lawn and woods. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Use an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin, following the label.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin where appropriate.
- Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks in high-risk areas.
- Shower soon after coming indoors.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Consider a professional yard treatment if bites are frequent despite personal protection, but personal precautions remain the most reliable defense against blacklegged ticks.
How to keep blacklegged ticks from coming back
- Mow grass regularly and clear brush at the edge of the yard.
- Remove standing water every week.
- Keep play areas and patios away from wooded borders.
- Protect pets with veterinarian-recommended products.
Safety notes
Blacklegged ticks transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis; remove attached ticks promptly.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The blacklegged tick is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of blacklegged ticks?
Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are blacklegged ticks dangerous?
Blacklegged ticks transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis; remove attached ticks promptly.
When are blacklegged ticks most active?
Blacklegged Ticks are most active in spring, summer and fall.
What do blacklegged ticks look like?
Dark black legs and shield. Adults measure 1–5 mm (up to about 0.20 in).