It’s an unfortunate fact, but one that every homeowner eventually comes to accept: if you own a house, you’re sharing it with uninvited guests.
Now, before you start to worry, I’m not talking about strangers hiding in your basement. I’m referring to insects—the tiny ones you can barely see, let alone catch and carry outside. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been much of a “bug person,” so the thought of coexisting with ants, spiders, earwigs, and whatever else decides to wander indoors has never been particularly appealing to me.
Still, it’s just part of life. These creatures don’t see it as an invasion, at least I hope they don’t—because that would be unsettling in a whole new way.
Over time, I’ve learned to tolerate most of the insects quietly living within my walls. However, there’s one I simply cannot make peace with: ticks.
Let’s be real—who actually likes ticks? I’d wager almost no one. They’re among the most unpleasant, disease-carrying pests on the planet, and their very presence makes your skin crawl.
That’s exactly why it’s crucial to recognize tick eggs and know what steps to take if you ever find them in your yard. Fortunately, we’ve put together a straightforward guide that explains everything you need to know—so you can handle the problem before it handles you.
Identifying
Tick eggs are incredibly small—about the size of a poppy seed, measuring roughly 0.5 millimeters in diameter—making them difficult to spot with the naked eye. They are usually oval or pear-shaped and have a translucent appearance when freshly laid. You’ll often find them in clusters, attached to grass, leaf litter, or other low vegetation close to the ground.
As the eggs mature, they gradually turn more opaque and develop a smooth, glossy surface. Their color typically ranges from pale yellow to light brown, depending on their stage of development.
What to do
So, you’ve found what looks like a batch of tick eggs and your first instinct is to run around the house in sheer panic. Okay—maybe that’s just me.
In all seriousness, tick eggs can present a real risk. Because ticks are known carriers of serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, it’s important to handle the situation carefully and correctly.
The safest course of action is to contact a professional pest control specialist or your local veterinarian. They can help confirm whether the eggs are indeed from ticks and advise you on how to remove and dispose of them properly.
Keeping your yard tick-free
Let’s be honest—no one wants to stumble upon tick eggs in their backyard, front yard, or anywhere near their home. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent them from showing up in the first place.
Start by removing plants that tend to attract deer, since ticks often thrive on deer. Common examples include tulips, hostas, and azaleas. Instead, consider planting natural tick-repelling herbs and flowers such as mint, rosemary, and chrysanthemums, which can help keep these pests away.
It’s also smart to keep your lawn trimmed and free of overgrown brush or dense vegetation where ticks like to hide. Move woodpiles off the ground and store them in a dry, elevated area, since ticks prefer dark, damp environments to lay their eggs.
Using natural tick repellents and discouraging small mammals like mice and rabbits from entering your garden can make a big difference, too. If necessary, insecticides can be used as an added precaution—but always apply them carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects or upsetting the natural balance of your yard’s ecosystem.
Were you aware of how tick eggs form and spread? Share this information to help protect your friends and family from unwanted infestations.