tick-lyme-disease-tick
Ticks

Tick Control: How to Control Yard Ticks in Virginia and Maryland

By Planet Friendly Pest Control·3 min read

The number of incidents involving tick-borne diseases%3B%20and%20babesiosis%20() is on the rise in the United States. Whether it's Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or tularemia, these tiny parasites can introduce life-threatening illnesses into your communities and homes.

Unfortunately, as a resident of Virginia or Maryland, living alongside ticks that thrive in these southeastern climate zones is inevitable.

Luckily, thanks to eco-conscious extermination technology, you don't have to live in constant fear for your pets, children, or home. You don't even have to risk the safety of your yard by spraying chemicals.

Tick control can be an easy, efficient way to protect the ones you love most and keep bloodsucking pests at bay. Here are our tips when it comes to tick-proofing your yard.

01

Mow Often

You might be putting off moving your Virginia or Maryland lawn, but here's why you shouldn't.

Ticks thrive in tall grass. The high blades cast shadows on the earth, blocking out sunlight and creating a cooler environment. Shaded areas allows ticks to rest and breed with the females laying thousands of eggs during the spring season.

It's advised to keep your grass trimmed to a modest 3 inches to discourage the invasion of ticks common to the southeastern U.S. like the Lone Star or the American Dog.

Also, remember to keep your yard free from weeds. Tall weeds are a tick's ideal vantage point when it comes to latching onto passing animals.

02

Use Mulch as a Deterrent

Most tick species thrive in thick woods or areas with heavy overgrowth. If either of these areas is within walking distance of your yard, you should lay a "mulch moat" as a sort of barrier between your home and these ecosystems.

Line the threatened perimeter of your yard with a layer of mulch about 3-feet wide. During prime tick season, when the pests are on the move, the wood chips will heat up in the sun and deter ticks from traveling across them.

03

Remove Potential Tick Habitats

Your yard could potentially be hosting the perfect habitat and breeding ground for ticks.

In states like Virginia and Maryland, you'll want to bag grass clippings that rest on your yard after you mow. You'll also want to blow any leaves or other plant debris into a pile and bag that, too.

Why? Plant debris can serve as a tick's paradise. It's imperative that you keep your lawn clear to dissuade ticks from moving in.

04

Hire the Pros

When it comes to eradicating ticks from your property, there's only one way to be sure your family is completely protected.

At Planet Friendly Pest Control, our premium tick control services work with nature (not against it!) to eliminate these disease-carrying parasites from your yard.

The removal process is environmentally-conscious, pet-friendly, and fast. Don't waste your time with toxic chemicals or a tick killer that harms your plants and grass and let us get the job done right.

05

Protect Your Home With Tick Control Today

With Virginia and Maryland notorious for being highly-populated with a variety of tick species, it's crucial that you arm your yard with tick control. Now, you can preserve the health of your pets and children without negatively impacting the planet!

Join our countless happy customers and contact us to learn how we can keep your family and home disease-free.

Ticksdeer tickTick ControlBlack Legged TickLone Star TickAmerican Dog TickBrown Dog Tick

Written by

Planet Friendly Pest Control

Eco-conscious pest control for homes with pets across Southern Maryland & Northern Virginia — serving local homeowners since 2010.....

All articles

Happy Customers

Homeowners who made the switch

Hundreds of Google reviews across our verified service locations.

Excellent on Google

5.0
  • Josh F.

    Google review · Sep 2026

    Alex was great! Very professional and explained the whole process before doing any work. We had a wasp nest in our wall, getting in through a seam between our brick and siding. I thought it would be a costly problem, but it was taken care of in about 15 minutes.

  • Amy B.

    Google review · Sep 2026

    I am very pleased with the work of Planet Friendly Pest Control. I had a large wasp nest in the garage and they came out to treat it the same day! The process was clear and professional. I was told the price when I called and they didn't try to upsell me on a monthly or quarterly contract. As mentioned above, they came out the same day I called and they texted me when they were on their way. They treated the nest and then came back a week later to confirm it was taken care of and removed the nest. It's now been a couple of weeks since the initial visit and no sign of new wasps! I would not hesitate to use them again.

  • Nicholas V.

    Google review · Sep 2026

    Excellent service and full explanation of service

  • Jfk

    Google review · Sep 2026

    Great service. Wasps eradicated the next day.

  • Cheryl P.

    Google review · Aug 2026

    Tech was very nice, explained what the chemical is designed to do.

  • Patrick H.

    Google review · Jul 2026

    I want to sincerely thank Planet Friendly Pest Control and its owner, Gene Wright, for their immediate response and action to deal with a hive of Bald Face Hornets who, unbeknownst to me, had taken home in a fair size shrub at the back of my house. As I attempted to trim the shrub, I was swarmed by Hornets and stung 8 or 9 times before I could get to safety. I left my tractor and tools in a hurry and was afraid to retrieve them until the bee issue was addressed. Again, PFPC responded quickly and allowed me to get my tools and continue my recovery from the bee stings. I considered the price to be very fair for the treatment of the issue at hand and the sharing of knowledge to avoid further such mishaps. I will only call PFPC when in need of pest control.

  • Jason M.

    Google review · Jul 2026

    Gene was honest and thorough.

  • Betty E.

    Google review · Jul 2026

    Roger came out and killed hornets in large nest on our house. It was taken care of the day after I called for service.

  • Joyce

    Google review · Jul 2026

    Joshua was Friendly and efficient.

  • Ken C.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Planet Friendly has been doing our pest control for several years now. They are reliable, and perform a great service for us. We are notified by email when the appointment is confirmed. They are always professional and knowledgeable.

  • Nikole R.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Really appreciate Roger coming out to the house to not only treat for common insects that like to make their way into the house (regularly scheduled maintenance), but also exterminate a hornet nest we found on our deck this last week. Great service, arrives on schedule (and sends a text with arrival time when he’s on his way), and most importantly - no critters coming inside my house - or hornets potentially stinging us. Recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control to anyone looking for an exterminator.

  • Kathleen M.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Great service. No bugs in the house! They quietly and quickly get the job done, no hastle.

  • San D.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Roger was very kind and professional. He did an excellent job attending to areas of the exterior of our home that required extra attention.

  • Patti W.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Gene Wright came highly recommended by multiple neighbors. He came out the same day I called and showed great knowledge about our mouse problem! Gene was responsible, knowledgeable and a delight to deal with. We highly recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control.

  • Denise A.

    Google review · Apr 2026

    This is my third year using Planet Friendly to control ants in my home. I have yet to see an ant. What a relief. This is a real necessity where I live. Thank you.

Dealing with pests around your home?

Hundreds of Google reviews across our verified service locations. Book a free initial inspection and we’ll start with the exterior — where most problems begin.

Get Your Free Inspection