Tick Season Is Here. Don't Get Caught Off Guard
With warmer weather drawing families back outside for hikes, backyard barbecues and weekend adventures, spring also marks the return of peak tick season across the country. Modern Exterminating is proud to partner with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) this Tick Awareness Week, May 3–9, 2026, to give Columbia residents the simple, practical tips they need to enjoy the outdoors without worry this season.
Ticks were named NPMA’s 2025 Pest of the Year after tick-related emergency room visits climbed to a five-year high, and the threat isn't letting up. These pests have expanded into new regions across the country, carrying dangerous pathogens that can cause serious, long-term health complications. Modern’s Outdoor Program ensures their customers are ready for ticks and other outdoor pests this summer.
What makes ticks especially dangerous is how little most people know about them. A 2025 NPMA survey conducted online by The Harris Poll found that 51% of Americans don’t realize ticks can transmit diseases through their bites to humans, and a staggering 67% don't know how to properly remove one if they found one attached to themselves, someone else, or a pet. Meanwhile, nearly 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease every single year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“People shouldn't have to choose between enjoying the outdoors and staying safe," said Melanie Matthews, Owners of Modern Exterminating. "The good news is that with the right information and a few simple habits, tick bites are largely preventable. That's exactly the message we want every household in our community to walk away with this Tick Awareness Week.”
To reduce your risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases, Modern Exterminating recommends the following tips:
- Use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET and wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing when spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas.
- Keep grass cut low, including around fences, sheds and trees.
- Before heading indoors, inspect your entire body, clothing, family members and pets for ticks.
- Clear overgrown vegetation around the edges of your property to reduce potential tick habitats.
Contact us today for a professional inspection at (803) 205-2744 or visit our website at https://www.pestfreesc.com/.
About Modern Exterminating
Modern Exterminating is the longest-standing, family-owned, local and independent pest control company serving Columbia, Lexington, Aiken, and beyond. We service a 50 mile radius from downtown and have over 11,000 customers in the greater Columbia area. We’re also available for same-day service, because we understand the importance of taking care of pest problems ASAP.
As a one-stop-shop for all things pest control with a great reputation, you can trust us to handle a wide range of issues, from insects to rodents and beyond. And as a family-oriented company with a cutting-edge approach to extermination, removal, and treatment, we know you’ll be happy with the personalized service and long-lasting results you get from hiring Modern Exterminating.
To request pest control services with Modern Exterminating visit pestfreesc.com or call 803-205-2744.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between April 8-10, 2025, among 2,099 U.S. adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@vaultcommunications.com.