How Much Does Tick Control Cost?

Ticks are parasites, which means they feed off of human and animal blood. For that reason, they are also disease carriers. That’s why it’s important to control them around your home.

But how much is that going to cost?

The average price for tick control near you is around $350, ranging from $200 to $500.

The following table shows the national averages. Also included are the minimum and maximum prices for all parts of the US.

National Average	Average Cost Range	Minimum Cost	Maximum Cost
$350	$200 – $500	$75	$600

Here, we’ll go over the pricing details for removing tick infestations. Then, you’ll get some useful DIY tips for getting rid of ticks on your own. Finally, we’ll show you the tricks and secrets that leading pest control companies use to eliminate ticks for their customers.

---

What Affects Tick Control Cost?

There are several items that an exterminator will use to figure their cost estimates. We’ve listed a few here for you to consider. Keep in mind, there may be more, depending on your location.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Tick Service

Outdoor tick control will have a higher price tag than an indoor treatment. That’s because there’s a lot more area to manage.

Also, the equipment used to spray a yard takes more time to set up. And it consumes a greater amount of energy and materials to run.

Still, the best exterminators provide both indoor and outdoor treatments at the same time. They realize the benefits to the customer by taking care of both. After all, it makes no sense to kill ticks outside while allowing them to annoy people inside.

Size of the Home

Some companies charge by the square footage of a residence. This gives them an idea of how big an area they need to treat. However, this doesn’t account for any acreage where the house sits.

Acreage

The size of the property you own will affect the service cost. For example, a one-acre lot will be priced at $200. A three-acre lot will cost around $400. And anything above five acres will be priced over $600.

Sanitation

If there’s a lot of overgrown weeds in your yard, that could add to the cost. Also, if you have a large area of landscaping, trees, and tall grass, you could pay more for that.

In addition, some companies charge more for houses located in wooded areas. They figure that most tick populations are the heaviest in these locations.

Frequency of Service

There are many tick programs available that are flexible. And they allow you to choose a suitable time interval according to your schedule and budget. Here are some examples:

Annual Tick Contract

If you’re worried about ticks year-round, this may be the plan for you. It’s also the least expensive as far as monthly payments. They usually run between $50 and $100.

But there’s a catch. You must agree to allow the technician to visit every month. And this can add up. So, it may be best to try a more agreeable option.

Seasonal Tick Contract

Savvy pest control companies realize that most homeowners don’t want to pay more for services than needed. So, some offer six-month tick agreements.

The idea here is to spray outdoor areas every 21 days. This is the minimum interval allowed by most insecticides labeled for ticks. And it provides the best control throughout the spring and summer months.

The average price per treatment for this type of contract is around $100. For some, the total cost for the season may seem a bit steep. So, it’s a good idea to at least ask about a shorter-term agreement.

Quarterly Contracts

With quarterly contracts, you only have to agree on a tick spray every three months. So, this option makes it more convenient for busy people. Expect to pay between $150 and $200 for this treatment plan.

One-time Tick Service

In nearly all cases, a one-time treatment for ticks includes the inside and outside perimeter of the home. The average cost is between $200 and $500.

Guarantees

With the majority of annual and seasonal contracts, a warranty is included. This is typically a guarantee that if you continue to see ticks after the service, the technician will come back for free. However, this doesn’t usually apply to quarterly contracts and one-time treatments.

---

Signs & Causes of Tick Infestation

There are several species of ticks to look for around your home. Here, we’ll help you identify them.

Dog Ticks

The dog tick is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, depending on how well-fed it happens to be. It’s reddish-brown with gray spots on its back. And it’s mostly found in the northern coastal areas of the US.

Deer Ticks

Also called black-legged ticks, these midwestern insects complete their lifecycle within about two years. The adults can be found in the spring and fall, while nymphs and larvae are mostly active during the summer months.

The best way to identify them is with their prominent black or dark brown legs. Males are slightly smaller than females, and the nymphs are so small that they’re difficult to see.

Lonestar Ticks

The Lonestar tick has a two-year lifecycle and is located mainly in the midwestern US. Both males and females are caramel-colored. However, only the female displays the yellow star on the back.

Whichever species of tick you’re dealing with, they all have similar traits. Here are the main ones:

• Wingless
• Flat body
• Eight legs
• Four development stages: egg, larva, nymph, adult

All ticks are parasites meaning they feed on human or animal blood. Without it, they would die.

---

Health Risks Associated with Ticks

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ticks transmit several diseases. The following are the most common ones.

Lyme Disease

The most well-known bacterial infection transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease. Typical symptoms include:

• Redness at the bite location
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness

Lyme disease is commonly treated with antibiotics and lasts between one to four weeks. Some patients develop heart complications that require a pacemaker. But more often, patients experience facial paralysis.

Most cases of Lyme disease are treatable. However, serious neurological complications may arise if the disease goes undiagnosed for over one to two years.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Another bacterial disease spread by tick bites is Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). There are just under 5,000 cases reported each year.

These are the usual symptoms of the infection:

• Fever
• Headache
• Rash

Antibiotics are used to treat the condition. However, some people may develop long term complications such as:

• Ataxia
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Gangrene

Other diseases carried by ticks include:

Anaplasmosis is a disease that attacks human red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, anemia, and increased liver enzymes.

Babesiosis is an infection common in the Midwestern and Northeastern US. The most common symptoms resemble those of malaria: fever, anemia, and fatigue.

Ehrlichiosis is a bacteria that kills white blood cells. Symptoms for this tick-borne infection include headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

---

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

If you aspire to take care of your tick problem yourself, it’s possible. Or maybe hiring a pest control service makes more sense to you. That’s also available.

Here, we’ll show you the differences between the two. You’ll also get some tips on how the pros perform a tick treatment the right way.

Step 1. Assessment

It’s a good idea to inspect the entire home for infestations. That’s the first thing Orkin technicians do before they treat an area for ticks. They want to get it right the first time, and a thorough inspection will help achieve that goal.

Step 2. Treat Your Pets For Ticks

Sending your pet to the groomer during the treatment makes sense. Or you can do it yourself using a special tick shampoo. Having your pets free from ticks will ensure the long-lasting effects of your home treatment.

Step 3. Pre-Treatment Prep

It’s vital to remove weeds, tall grass, and piles of leaves and mulch from the yard. The inside of the home is just as vital to success. Be sure to wash pet bedding and clean carpets and rugs.

These areas are where ticks thrive, according to the management team at Aptive Environmental. They train their technicians to recognize tick hot spots to advise their customers on proper sanitation measures.

Step 4. Outside Treatment

Spraying outdoors for the average person can be a bit tricky. While a hand-held sprayer is convenient, it may not be sufficient. There’s often not enough volume of liquid to treat a yard or landscaping.

That’s where Terminix comes in. With its advanced, high-pressure equipment, the technician can cover an entire yard quickly. This method ensures that all ticks are taken care of with one treatment.

Step 5. Inside Treatment

Spot treatments using residual sprays can sometimes be used for indoor control of ticks. But you have to be careful with pet bedding and not soak the material with liquid.

There are also dry insecticide powders available for crack and crevice applications. These also have a good residual action that will ensure long-term control.

Tick Prevention Tips

1. Keep grass cut.
2. Remove leaves and mulch in yards.
3. Vacuum all areas inside to help remove ticks.
4. Be sure to treat all dog houses, kennels, and other pet areas with a residual insecticide spray.
5. Wear long-sleeve shirts and utilize insect repellents when outdoors in areas where tick infestations are likely.

Find Pest Control Cost Estimates In Your State

---

What’s the Standard Tick Removal Process?

There is a standard procedure for having a pest control company come to your home. It often involves several steps. Here is what you can expect when hiring an exterminator to eliminate ticks from your home.

Order and Scheduling

In most cases, the sales pitch for tick removal is no big deal. And it often includes a free quote. But beware of the pest control company that wants to constantly add on.

Suppose you get a good deal on cockroach prevention. There may even be a way to bundle it into your overall plan. That’s all fine.

Just remember that the main focus right now is your tick infestation. You can always add service options later.

Inspection and Identification

Be wary of any company that pulls up to your house and reaches for the sprayer right away. That’s a sign that they’re really not pros. And it may be time to look for other options.

The best exterminators are going to at least survey the area. They want to assess where the highest concentrations of ticks are hiding. It’s also vital that they move anything in their way before spraying.

Outdoor Spray

In most cases, the price for tick control includes the yard. However, that’s not always the case. So, be sure to ask about what’s included and what’s not.

Also, it’s a good idea to inquire about what’s being used. A chemical report will often be included with the bill. So, be sure to ask any questions you have regarding pesticides used in the process.

Indoor Treatment

When the technician move indoors, that’s when it’s time to pay close attention. This is because there are as many ways to treat the indoors as there are pest control companies. And some are safer than others.

For example, hardly any pest control companies use foggers anymore. Still, you could run into an exterminator that does. Instead, you want someone who utilizes a safe knock-down spray containing permethrin or another EPA-regulated insecticide.

There may also be an occasion where the tech uses a dry material such as boric acid. It can either be used in wall voids or dusted over a carpet. If you object to having this material on your rugs or carpeting, be sure to let the technician know. There are always alternatives.

Follow-up Service Calls

In most instances, a tick contract is a one-time service. However, there may be room for added flexibility.

For example, suppose you had a regular pest control contract, and you wanted to add a tick service. You would call the same company you normally do business with.

Not only will you likely get a discount, but they’ll probably offer at least a follow-on inspection. After all, the technician won’t have to go very far to ensure that your tick infestation hasn’t returned.

---

A Final Word About Tick Treatments

It does no good to slather on topical insect repellants in the hopes you don’t get bit by a tick. You have to ensure it doesn’t happen by utilizing stronger measures. It’s time to knock them out for good.

If you opt for DIY measures, that’s great. Just be sure to consult all pesticide labels before spraying. Also, it’s best to wear proper protective equipment like overalls, gloves, and goggles.

If you decide to get help with your tick infestation, there are lots of ways to find a great exterminator in your area. You can consult online review sites. Or seek the advice of friends, family, and neighbors.

By finding out which pest control companies other people use, you will be well on your way to getting rid of those pesky ticks for good.

---