Residential Tick Control Services For All Types Of Ticks In Iowa

Reliable tick control services have become more important in recent years, as awareness of Lyme disease grows and Iowa’s tick population continues to expand, becoming a year-round concern. Our experts offer specialized tick treatments for yards that are designed to keep your family safe while enjoying the outdoors. With years of experience treating Iowa lawns, we use proven, industry-leading solutions that are both kid- and pet-friendly.

At Preferred Pest, we’ve been tackling tick problems in Iowa for years, using advanced, proven solutions to protect both your home and your pets. Our approach goes beyond simply applying treatments; we tailor our services to ensure your lawn stays tick-free all season long. With carefully timed applications, we maximize your protection, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free yard. When you choose Preferred Pest Control for local tick prevention treatments, you can count on a tick-free lawn that kids and pets can safely enjoy all season long.

Providing Safe & Effective Tick Control Services For Over 40 Years

Safety is a primary concern for families, and Preferred Pest takes that responsibility seriously. With over 40 years of experience treating homes and properties, we’ve built a reputation for helping families enjoy pest-free yards all summer long without compromising on safety. Our team of professional tick exterminators uses kid- and pet-friendly products that are both effective and safe. For outdoor treatments, we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before allowing children or pets to enter treated areas, offering added peace of mind while protecting your loved ones from harmful pests.

When it comes to tick treatment for your yard, Preferred Pest goes beyond the basics. We target the specific environments where ticks live, hide and breed—like tall grass, shaded spots and along tree lines. Our proven treatment process is designed to reduce tick populations at the source, helping lower the risk of bites and tick-borne illnesses. We know how important it is for families to feel safe outside, so we make it our mission to help keep your yard tick-free. With Preferred Pest, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

When Are Ticks Most Active?

Ticks in Iowa are most active from March to November, with peak activity between May and July. Types of ticks in Iowa include the blacklegged tick, American dog tick and the lone star tick. During these months, tick treatment for your yard is key to protecting your family and pets from bites and tick-borne diseases.

How Often Should You Have Tick Treatment For Your Yard?

Most tick control services are effective for four to six weeks, so reapplication every other month is recommended. Preferred Pest Control’s tick exterminators provide effective tick treatment for your yard, and our Preferred Max service bundle includes regular tick control and prevention to keep your yard safe all year.

Beware Of These Common Types Of Ticks In Iowa

There are three common types of ticks in Iowa: the blacklegged tick, the American dog tick and the lone star tick. While these three species are the most prevalent, it's important to note that there are actually more tick species in Iowa. Each of these ticks can be found throughout the state, and all of them have the potential to carry dangerous diseases, making it essential to remain vigilant and take preventative measures.

1. Blacklegged or Deer Tick – This tick is a notorious biting arachnid and gets its name for its dark legs. Blacklegged ticks are sometimes called deer ticks because their preferred host is an adult, white-tailed deer, which are also common in Iowa. Blacklegged ticks are small, flat and oval-shaped. Adults are only about the size of a sesame seed, making them very hard to notice. They are dark-reddish brown and have eight legs. This tick species prefers to live in wooded, brushy areas where white-footed mice, deer and other mammals seek food and shelter. These areas also give the humidity ticks need to survive.
2. American Dog or Wood Tick – In its early stages, this tick species feeds on small animals like chipmunks, rats and mice and becomes more attracted to larger mammals in its adult stage. American dog ticks nest along forest edges and in areas with little or no tree cover, such as grassy fields and scrubland, along walkways, sidewalks and trails. Their abdomens have unique festoons around the edge and a decorated dorsal shield that helps distinguish them from other tick species.
3. The Lone Star Tick – Female lone star ticks have a silver-white spot on their back, giving the species its name. These ticks are notorious for latching on to humans more than any other types of ticks found in Iowa. They are unique because they don’t carry Lyme Disease but can transmit bacteria that potentially lead to a meat allergy. The lone star tick lives in wooded areas, particularly in second-growth forests with thick underbrush, where white-tailed deer are the primary hosts for adults.

The Threat of Lyme Disease From Ticks

Ticks are drawn to humans by body heat, movement and carbon dioxide, sensing a nearby host to feed on. They wait in tall grass or brush and latch onto people or pets as they pass. Dogs can bring ticks into the home after outdoor activities, and the pests may then transfer to humans through close contact or shared spaces like furniture. Ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas, forests or places with dense vegetation. If your lawn features any of these characteristics, we recommend staying on top of tick treatments for your yard with trusted tick exterminators to reduce the risk of tick bites at home.

To further reduce your risk, avoid environments that attract ticks when possible, wear long sleeves and protective clothing and always check yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors, especially in the warmer months when ticks are most active. If you're unsure whether a bite came from a tick or another insect, this guide to common Iowa insect bites and stings can help you identify the source.

Tips From Our Local Tick Prevention Experts

Tick yard control from our Des Moines pest experts is an effective way to eliminate existing ticks, but prevention is key for long-term protection. Regular yard maintenance and a few smart adjustments can make a significant difference in keeping ticks off your property. If you're looking for local tick prevention, especially during the peak of summer, our team is ready to assist. Understanding the types of ticks in Iowa and where they thrive can help you stay ahead of the problem—read our blog to learn more. In the meantime, here are some of the best ways to help prevent ticks in your yard:

• Mow your lawn regularly. Ticks hide in tall grass and wait for a host to walk by. Keeping your lawn short reduces their shelter and makes it harder for them to latch on.
• Create a barrier around your yard. A 3-foot border of stones or wood chips between your yard and nearby wooded areas makes it harder for ticks to travel across.
• Trim back bushes and overgrowth. Dense foliage creates ideal hiding spots. Keeping it under control limits areas where ticks can linger.
• Keep outdoor spaces in mind. Place playground equipment and patio furniture away from tree lines and shaded areas to reduce contact with ticks.
• Store wood and lawn items neatly. Tidy, sunny spaces deter both ticks and the rodents that often carry them into your yard.

These steps, combined with professional tick control, will help you enjoy a safer, tick-free summer.

Call Our Tick Exterminators For Effective Tick Control & Prevention

If you're worried about ticks in your yard, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (515) 276-7277 to speak with a Preferred Pest team member and learn more about our residential tick control services. You can also schedule an appointment today to get ahead of ticks and keep your property protected. We’re committed to helping you enjoy a pest-free yard so you can relax and make the most of your outdoor space this summer with consistent tick control.

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