July 15, 2025

NorCal Residents Need To Be Tick Smart This Summer

Don’t Let Ticks Ruin Your Summer

In Northern California, the great outdoors is calling—but unfortunately, so are ticks. According to a recent report by The Mercury News, tick-borne diseases are skyrocketing across the country, and experts are warning this could be one of the worst years we’ve seen in a while.

With cases of Lyme disease and other serious illnesses climbing, now’s the time to take ticks seriously—especially if you’re spending time hiking, camping, gardening, or just hanging out in your backyard.

At Big Time Pest Control, we’re here to help our neighbors protect their families, pets, and outdoor spaces from unwanted pests. Here’s what you need to know about this summer’s tick boom—and how to keep those biting, disease-spreading pests away from your property.

tick in northern california yard

Why Ticks Are Thriving This Year

The recent spike in tick activity isn’t just your imagination. Warmer winters, wetter springs, and a longer growing season have created the perfect storm for ticks to thrive—and they’re doing just that. Tick populations are way up, and so are the illnesses they carry.

While Lyme disease is the most well-known, ticks in California can also spread anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and even a rare but potentially fatal virus called Powassan. Some ticks are now linked to allergic reactions to red meat, something called alpha-gal syndrome.

In other words, ticks aren’t just annoying anymore. They’re dangerous.

Where You’ll Find Ticks in NorCal

Ticks love the shady, humid areas that are common around Northern California homes and parks. You’ll most often find them:

They don’t fly or jump—they simply wait on a blade of grass or low branch and drop or grab on when a person or pet brushes past. Sneaky little things.

How to Protect Yourself (and Your Pets)

The good news? With a few habits and some smart pest control, you can seriously lower your risk of tick bites and tick-borne disease. Here are some simple, effective tips:

Treat clothing and shoes with permethrin

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to repel ticks. Spray shoes, pants, socks, and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin once a month.

Use repellent on exposed skin

Choose a doctor-recommended product with DEET or picaridin to protect arms, neck, and legs.

Dress smart

Long sleeves and pants (tucked into your socks) make it harder for ticks to reach your skin. Light-colored clothing helps you spot them more easily.

Check yourself, your kids, and your pets

After spending time outdoors, check behind knees, around the waistline, under arms, behind ears, and in your hairline. Pets should be checked around the ears, belly, and between the toes.

Shower after outdoor activity

A quick rinse within two hours of being outside can help wash away ticks before they have a chance to bite.

Keep your yard tick-unfriendly

Ticks love clutter and moisture. Keep your grass trimmed, rake up leaf litter, and create a clear barrier between your lawn and any wooded areas.

Worried About Ticks in Your Yard? Let Us Help.

If you’re seeing ticks on your pets or finding them after time in the yard, it’s time to take action. At Big Time Pest Control, we provide targeted tick treatments that reduce tick populations around your home and yard, without a bunch of guesswork.

Our local team knows how ticks behave here in NorCal, and we’ll help you build a plan that actually works.

Don’t Wait for a Tick Bite to Take Action

Tick season is here, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Contact Big Time Pest Control today to schedule your summer tick service and enjoy your backyard with confidence.

Serving families in Chico, Anderson, Redding, Sacramento, and across Northern California with expert pest protection—because pests should never ruin a good summer.

What Big Time Pest Control Customers Are Saying

big time customer in anderson california

Martin is an asset to your company! He’s very friendly and thorough and very helpful with any questions or concerns that we might have. I am very satisfied with the service he provides. Thank you to Martin and Big Time!!!!

Wayne L.

Anderson, CA

big time customer in anderson ca

Jamie from Big Time Pest Control is the "BEST!" He calls to let me know he is on his way. He listens to any bug/rodent concerns I have, then does a very thorough treatment of my entire property! Thank you Jamie and Big Time for training your team in such a thorough manner!

Cindy Lou B.

Anderson, CA

mt shasta ca pest control customer

Matt is always very thorough and willing to answer questions. He’s also the first person our dog is willing to take treats from. My dog likes you, and you get rid of my ants—that’s a win-win in my book. Thanks, Matt!

Danielle C.

Mt. Shasta, CA

happy customers of termio pest control
Get In Touch

Our Services

Big Time Pest Control provides fast, efficient, reduced-risk pest control services for homes and businesses in Northern California. Choose a service or reach out today to discuss your pest problem!

Helpful Tips & Info

Big Time Pest Control Blog