Ticks
Lyme disease carriers in the Northwoods woods and tall grass
About Ticks
Ticks are a serious health concern throughout the Northwoods. Wisconsin has well-established populations of deer ticks (black-legged ticks), the primary vector for Lyme disease, as well as American dog ticks that transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tick populations are highest in wooded areas, tall grass, and brush — exactly the habitat that surrounds most Northwoods lake homes. Protecting your yard and property perimeter is an important part of reducing tick exposure for your family and pets.
How to Identify Them
- Deer tick (black-legged tick): very small (sesame seed size), reddish-brown with dark legs; nymphs are poppy-seed sized
- American dog tick: larger (watermelon seed size), brown with white markings
- Ticks do not jump or fly — they wait on vegetation and attach when a host brushes by
- Engorged ticks are swollen and much larger than unfed ticks
- Found on skin after outdoor activity — check hairline, behind ears, armpits, groin, and behind knees
Why They're a Problem
Deer ticks are the primary vector for Lyme disease, which is endemic in Wisconsin and can cause serious long-term health problems if not treated promptly. They also transmit anaplasmosis and babesiosis. American dog ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Nymphal deer ticks are the size of a poppy seed and easily missed during tick checks. Wisconsin consistently ranks among the highest states for Lyme disease cases, and Northwoods counties have some of the highest rates in the state.
Signs of Tick Exposure Risk
- Wooded areas, tall grass, brush, and leaf litter on or adjacent to the property
- Deer, mice, or other wildlife activity on the property — primary tick hosts
- Ticks found on family members or pets after outdoor activity
- Bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) after a tick bite — seek medical attention immediately
- Flu-like symptoms after spending time outdoors in tick season
How K2 Treats Ticks
K2 applies barrier spray treatments to the property perimeter, wooded edges, and vegetation where ticks harbor and wait for hosts. Treatments target the areas where ticks are most concentrated — the transition zone between lawn and woods, leaf litter, and ornamental plantings. Treatments are applied in spring and can be repeated through the season.
- 1Property assessment to identify high-risk tick habitat and host activity
- 2Barrier spray treatment to wooded edges, shrubs, ornamental plantings, and leaf litter areas
- 3Perimeter treatment along fence lines and property edges adjacent to woods
- 4Recommendations for habitat modification to reduce tick-friendly environments
- 5Seasonal re-treatment schedule based on property risk level
Prevention Tips
- Keep grass mowed short and remove leaf litter from yard areas
- Create a wood chip or gravel barrier between lawn and wooded areas
- Keep pets on veterinarian-recommended tick prevention year-round
- Perform tick checks on all family members and pets after outdoor activity
- Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks when in wooded areas
- Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers — grasp close to the skin and pull straight out
- Schedule spring barrier treatments before tick season peaks
Dealing with Ticks?
Don't wait — call K2 for a free estimate and fast service anywhere in the Northwoods.
(715) 891-2501Free estimates · Same-week service