Encountering tick eggs in your backyard “should never be ignored,” as they can lead to infestations and increase the risk of diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Tick eggs are “about the size of a poppy seed” and usually found in shaded spots such as leaf litter, grass, brush, or near woodpiles. They start out translucent or whitish and darken as they mature. Because of their tiny size and clustering, they often go unnoticed until hatching.

Once hatched, larvae can attach to pets, wildlife, and humans, beginning a cycle of disease transmission. The article stresses that “safe and proper removal of tick eggs is crucial,” and professional pest control may be the best option. If ticks attach to skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove them carefully and dispose of them in alcohol or sealed containers.

Prevention is key: keep grass trimmed, reduce brush, and manage woodpiles. Natural repellents like cedarwood oil or diatomaceous earth, and plants such as mint or rosemary, can also help. Finally, discouraging deer and rodents by removing attractants lowers the risk.

By staying alert and proactive, families can “significantly reduce the risk of tick infestations.”