As the warmer months roll in and Raleigh locals head outside for hikes, backyard BBQs, and time at parks like Umstead and Lake Johnson, the risk of encountering disease-carrying ticks increases dramatically.
In response, Invicta Pest Control, your trusted local pest control provider in Raleigh, is partnering with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) for Tick Awareness Week, happening from May 4-10, 2025. Together, we’re helping Raleigh residents understand the serious health threats ticks pose, and how to stay protected.
Why Raleigh should be concerned about ticks
Ticks are more than a minor nuisance, they can carry dangerous diseases like:
- 1. Lyme disease
- 2. Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- 3. Ehrlichiosis
- 4. Heartland virus
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of tick-borne illness are rising across the U.S., with North Carolina seeing a steady increase in reports, particularly in wooded and suburban areas around Wake County.
“Ticks pose a far greater risk than just an itchy bite. They can transmit serious diseases that, if left unchecked, can cause lasting damage to health,” said Michael Gilbert, Board Certified Entomologist at Invicta Pest Control. “This Tick Awareness Week, we urge everyone to take immediate action to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their pets. By being vigilant and practicing simple prevention steps, we can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases and enjoy the outdoors safely.”
To reduce your risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases, Invicta Pest Control recommends the following expert advice:
- 1. Keep Grass Trimmed and Tidy: Ticks thrive in tall, overgrown grass. Make sure to mow your lawn regularly, especially around fences, trees, and play areas like swing sets.
- 2. Use Tick Repellent: Apply bug spray with at least 20% DEET to exposed skin and wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants. This will help you spot ticks more easily if they latch on.
- 3. Check for Ticks After Outdoor Activities: Inspect your body, clothing, pets, and loved ones thoroughly after being outside. Ticks can hitch a ride unnoticed and take hours to attach.
- 4. Know the Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases: Early detection of symptoms like fever, rash, and fatigue can make a huge difference in effective treatment. Be aware and act fast if you notice anything unusual.
Concerned about ticks on your Raleigh property?
If you’ve seen ticks around your yard or are worried about hidden infestations, don’t wait.
Call Invicta Pest Control today at 984-203-7467 or schedule a professional tick inspection online. Our local experts use targeted, family-safe treatments to eliminate ticks at the source and give you peace of mind all season long.
For more information and resources on how to stay tick-free, visit Invicta Pest Control
More resources on tick safety
For more tick prevention tips, educational resources, and updates during Tick Awareness Week, visit Invicta Pest Control. Let’s work together to keep Raleigh, NC, tick-free, so you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Related reading: Keep Your Pets Pest-Free and Mosquito Control Near Water.
Related Reading
- Mosquito Control Near Water in Raleigh, NC — waterfront yards bring tick AND mosquito pressure together.
- Venomous Snakes in Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What ticks live in North Carolina?
The five most common NC ticks are the American dog tick, lone star tick (the most aggressive biter), black-legged tick (deer tick — the Lyme disease vector), brown dog tick, and Gulf Coast tick. Lone star and black-legged ticks are most likely to bite humans.
What diseases do NC ticks carry?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (American dog tick), Lyme disease and anaplasmosis (black-legged tick), ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome (lone star tick), and Southern tick-associated rash illness. The CDC tracks rising cases of all of these in North Carolina.
How do I safely remove a tick?
Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady even pressure. Do not twist or jerk. Clean the bite with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Save the tick in a sealed bag — if symptoms develop, your doctor may want to identify it.
How do I keep ticks out of my Raleigh yard?
Keep grass short, especially along wood lines and fences. Create a 3-foot wood chip or gravel barrier between lawn and woods. Remove leaf litter. Treat pets with vet-approved tick preventatives. For heavy pressure, a professional perimeter treatment is the most effective option.
