Tick Exposure Risks for Kids & Pets – 2026 Update in Waynesville & St. Robert, MO

Tick activity is expected to increase in Waynesville, St. Robert, and nearby areas in 2026 due to warmer winters, higher humidity, and greater wildlife movement. Families with kids and pets should prepare for earlier and heavier tick exposure.

Why Tick Pressure Is Increasing in 2026

Mild Winters Allow Ticks to Survive Longer

Fewer long freezes allow ticks to overwinter and emerge earlier in spring.

Wildlife Activity Near Homes

Deer, raccoons, small animals, and strays bring ticks into neighborhood edges and yards.

Dense Vegetation and High Humidity

Shaded yards, brush piles, and tree-lined properties create ideal tick habitats.

Tick Risks for Kids vs. Pets

Risks for Kids

• Ehrlichiosis
• Lyme disease risk
• Rashes, swelling, and infections
• Outdoor exposure from parks and play areas

Risks for Pets

• Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis
• Tick paralysis
• Infestations around ears, neck, and collars
• Pets bringing ticks indoors

2026 Tick Hotspots

• Backyard edges near wooded areas
• Neighborhoods near Fort Leonard Wood
• Shaded lawns and mulch beds
• Pet areas and fenced yard borders
• Parks, trails, and riverside recreation spaces

How to Reduce Tick Exposure

Yard Maintenance

• Trim grass regularly
• Remove brush, leaves, and debris
• Cut back dense vegetation

Create Barriers

• Add gravel borders
• Keep play equipment away from wooded edges

Protecting Kids

• Use EPA-approved repellents
• Perform tick checks
• Treat clothing with permethrin

Protecting Pets

• Use vet-recommended preventatives
• Check pets daily
• Clean bedding and pet zones often

Professional Tick Control

Plank Termite & Pest Control provides targeted perimeter treatments, habitat reduction, and seasonal follow-up services to reduce tick activity.

Protect Your Family

Call: 573-368-3333
plankpest.com