Lyme Disease Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Family from Ticks in Hampton Roads

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to prioritize tick control in Hampton Roads. With rising tick activity in Virginia, taking preventative measures now can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses throughout the warmer months.

As a trusted pest control provider in Hampton Roads for over 100 years, Getem Services is committed to helping families stay informed, prepared, and protected during tick season.

Understanding Lyme Disease and Why It Matters

Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness that can affect people of all ages. It’s important to understand how it spreads and why early detection and prevention are critical.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks. Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headaches, and a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash near the bite area.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe health problems, including joint pain, nervous system complications, and heart issues. That's why early action is essential.

Why Lyme Disease Awareness Is Critical in Virginia

Virginia is considered a high-risk state for Lyme disease, with cases increasing year over year. The combination of wooded landscapes, mild winters, and suburban development creates ideal habitats for ticks.

Residents of Hampton Roads and surrounding areas should stay especially alert, as tick populations become more active starting in May and remain a threat throughout the summer and into early fall.

Know Your Enemy – The Ticks of Hampton Roads

Understanding the types of ticks found in our region and their behavior can help you take targeted steps to prevent contact.

Common Tick Species in Coastal Virginia

Several tick species call Hampton Roads home, and not all of them carry the same risks. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones:

• Blacklegged tick (deer tick) – Primary carrier of Lyme disease
• Lone star tick – Linked to allergic reactions to red meat (alpha-gal syndrome)
• American dog tick – Known to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Each type of tick behaves differently, but all thrive in areas with dense vegetation and access to wildlife.

When Are Ticks Most Active?

Tick season in Virginia begins in early spring, with peak activity typically occurring from May through August. Ticks are most active in shaded, moist environments such as wooded trails, grassy backyards, and the borders of lawns and forests.

Even small, unkempt areas in your yard can harbor ticks, so maintaining your property is a key part of prevention.

How to Prevent Tick Bites Around Your Home

Reducing tick encounters starts with creating a less inviting environment for them in and around your property. A few simple changes can go a long way in keeping your home safer this season.

Yard Maintenance Tips

Keeping your yard well-maintained is one of the most effective ways to reduce tick habitats near your home.

• Mow your lawn regularly to keep grass short
• Remove leaf litter, brush piles, and other yard debris
• Trim shrubs and low-hanging branches to allow more sunlight into shaded areas
• Create a barrier of mulch or gravel between lawns and wooded areas
• Store firewood neatly and off the ground in dry areas

These practices help eliminate the moist, shaded environments that ticks prefer to inhabit.

Tick-Proofing for Pets and People

Ticks often hitch a ride into your home on pets or clothing, so it’s important to stay protected when spending time outdoors.

• Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention treatments for dogs and cats
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when walking in grassy or wooded areas
• Stick to the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grass
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• Shower and perform a full-body tick check after being outdoors, especially on children and pets

These steps are simple but effective in reducing the chances of a tick bite.

How Getem Services Can Help with Tick Control

While prevention is essential, professional pest control adds another layer of protection, addressing tick populations at the source. That’s where Getem Services comes in.

Professional Tick Treatment Options

Getem Services provides targeted tick control programs designed specifically for the Hampton Roads climate and landscape. Our tick services focus on high-risk areas of your yard where ticks are most likely to breed and hide, including shady zones, dense vegetation, and property edges.

We use carefully selected products and techniques that are effective against ticks while remaining considerate of your family, pets, and the surrounding environment. Our technicians assess your property and customize a service plan based on your needs, whether it's a one-time treatment or a seasonal maintenance plan.

Why Choose Getem for Tick and Pest Control

As a family-owned company with deep roots in the Hampton Roads community, Getem Services offers more than just pest control—we deliver peace of mind. With over a century of experience, we understand local pest behavior and know how to protect your home from the risks of tick-borne illness.

Our licensed professionals are trained to provide safe, effective solutions while upholding our commitment to integrity, honesty, and personalized service. We’re proud to be a trusted partner for families and businesses throughout the region.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

Finding a tick on yourself or a family member can be alarming, but prompt removal and proper care can reduce your risk of infection.

To remove a tick:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting or jerking
• Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water

After removal, monitor for signs of illness such as fever, rash, or fatigue over the next few weeks. If symptoms develop, contact a healthcare provider and mention the tick bite. Save the tick in a sealed bag in case testing is needed.

Stay Protected This Season

Ticks aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health concern that deserves your attention. Fortunately, with the right combination of prevention and professional support, you can enjoy your yard and outdoor activities with confidence.

Take control this season by scheduling a tick yard inspection with Getem Services. Our team is ready to help you create a safer, more comfortable outdoor space for your family and pets.

Contact us today to request service or learn more about our tick control plans tailored for Hampton Roads.