About Ticks

Ticks are less commonly encountered in Arizona than in more humid parts of the U.S., but they are still a concern—particularly in rural, grassy, or wooded areas, and around homes with pets. The most common species in Arizona is the brown dog tick, which is unique because it can complete its entire life cycle indoors, unlike most ticks that require outdoor environments. Ticks are parasitic and feed on the blood of mammals, including dogs, cats, and occasionally humans, potentially spreading diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Infestations often occur when ticks hitchhike indoors on pets or people, and they can hide in cracks, baseboards, pet bedding, carpets, or furniture. Poor pet hygiene, infrequent yard maintenance, and warm indoor conditions can allow tick populations to thrive. To prevent ticks, homeowners should regularly inspect and treat pets with veterinarian-approved tick preventatives, keep lawns trimmed, and wash pet bedding frequently.

Pest control professionals can help by identifying infestation sources, treating both indoor and outdoor areas with targeted acaricides (tick pesticides), and recommending steps to eliminate hidden breeding grounds. They may also work in conjunction with veterinarians for a holistic tick control strategy that protects both pets and humans.