![\"\u201cCharlie](\"https:\/\/news2.watchtowatch.top\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-90-768x512-1.png\")
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Following the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University, his longtime political rival, Dean Withers, took to social media with an unexpectedly emotional response that moved hundreds of thousands of viewers. Dean Withers, a 21-year-old progressive content creator, has built a massive following online for his outspoken critiques of conservative figures and policies.<\/p>\n
Known for viral videos such as\u00a0\u201cCan One Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?\u201d<\/em>, Withers quickly became one of the most visible Gen Z voices challenging conservative narratives online. Over the past two years, he frequently debated political personalities, including Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.<\/p>\n Despite their differences, Withers\u2019s reaction to Kirk\u2019s death was not filled with criticism or political rhetoric\u2014it was deeply personal and raw. During a livestream that drew over 250,000 live viewers, Withers broke down in tears while speaking about the tragedy.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sad, I\u2019m distraught,\u201d he told his audience. \u201cI just cried in front of you all, and honestly, I\u2019m not ashamed of it. Gun violence is always disgusting, vile, and abhorrent\u2014no matter who the victim is.\u201d He continued, \u201cSome people in the comments are saying, \u2018Maybe you should take a break.\u2019 But I want you to see this. I want you to see how I feel right now. Not as a political commentator, but as a human being.\u201d<\/p>\n Withers expressed genuine sympathy for Kirk\u2019s family, friends, and followers. He paused during the livestream to offer a brief prayer and sent condolences to those who witnessed the shooting. \u201cNo one deserves to die like that,\u201d he said. \u201cEspecially not in a public place, doing what they believe in.\u201d<\/p>\n Although the two held opposing beliefs, Withers acknowledged that Kirk had played a major role in shaping his own path. \u201cOur debates made me sharper. He challenged me. I didn\u2019t agree with him, but I respected his conviction,\u201d Withers said.<\/p>\n Public reaction to the livestream was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised Withers for showing emotional maturity and humanity in a time of political division. \u201cThis is what empathy looks like,\u201d one viewer commented. Others noted how rare it is to see rivals speak kindly about each other, especially after such a tragic event.<\/p>\n Charlie Kirk\u2019s death has sparked new conversations about political violence, gun safety, and the toxic climate surrounding public figures on both sides. But for one night, at least, the divide was bridged by grief, reflection, and respect.<\/p>\n Encountering tick eggs in your backyard is a matter that should never be ignored, as these tiny clusters can quickly lead to infestations and increase the risk of exposure to serious illnesses. Ticks are known carriers of dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and the presence of eggs is the earliest stage of a potential problem.<\/p>\n Tick eggs are extremely small, about the size of a poppy seed, and are often laid in clusters that can be found in shaded, sheltered areas like leaf litter, grass, brush, or near woodpiles. They may appear translucent or whitish at first, turning darker as they mature, and because of their size and clustering, they can easily go unnoticed until they hatch.<\/p>\n The danger lies in the fact that once hatched, larvae can attach to hosts including pets, wildlife, and humans, creating a cycle of disease transmission. Safe and proper removal of tick eggs is crucial, and professional pest control advice is often recommended for effective treatment. For ticks found attached to skin, fine-tipped tweezers should be used to pull them out carefully, followed by proper disposal in alcohol or sealed containers.<\/p>\n Prevention is equally important: keeping grass trimmed, reducing thick brush, managing woodpiles, and eliminating debris will reduce tick habitats. Introducing tick-repelling plants such as mint or rosemary, and using natural repellents like cedarwood oil or diatomaceous earth, can also help. Discouraging deer and rodents, common tick hosts, by removing attractants is another protective step. By staying alert and maintaining preventive measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of tick infestations and safeguard their families and pets.<\/p>\n As spring arrives and temperatures rise, tick activity increases significantly\u2014especially in regions like Quebec and other parts of North America where blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are becoming more prevalent. While the term \u201ctick nest\u201d is commonly used, it is more accurately described as a cluster of tick eggs, often laid in hidden, humid environments such as leaf litter, tall grass, or shaded garden areas. A single female tick can lay thousands of eggs, which, if left undisturbed, can hatch into larvae and contribute to a rapid infestation.<\/p>\n Finding a tick egg mass near your home can be alarming, especially given the health risks ticks pose. Ticks are vectors of serious diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can affect both humans and animals, making early detection and proper response critical.<\/p>\n This report aims to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of what steps to take if you discover a tick nest near your home. It will cover how to correctly identify a tick egg mass, assess the potential health risks, and implement safe and effective removal and prevention strategies. Whether you\u2019re a homeowner, pet owner, or outdoor enthusiast, understanding how to manage this environmental health hazard is essential for maintaining a safe living space.<\/p>\n How to Identify a Tick Nest and Where to Find It These egg masses are usually no bigger than a dime. Sometimes even smaller \u2014 think poppy seed size.<\/p>\n The eggs are laid low to the ground, often hidden in leaf litter, mulch, or shady patches of grass. The female tick doesn\u2019t hang around to babysit. She lays the eggs, then dies. The eggs hatch into larvae \u2014 also called seed ticks \u2014 and they\u2019re the ones that go looking for their first host. That could be a mouse, a raccoon, your dog, or you.<\/p>\n Now, here\u2019s the kicker: those larvae are so small, you might not even notice them until you\u2019ve got a swarm of itchy red dots on your legs. And by then, it\u2019s too late to say, \u201cOh, I\u2019ll just avoid that area.\u201d<\/p>\n So if you\u2019re trying to spot a tick nest, you\u2019re looking for a tiny, reddish-brown clump, usually stuck to a blade of grass, a leaf, or nestled into a damp, shaded patch of soil. It might look like dirt at first glance. But if it\u2019s shiny and sticky-looking, and you\u2019re in an area known for ticks, don\u2019t poke it. Seriously. Don\u2019t.<\/p>\n Where Are Tick Nests Usually Hiding? The most common places to find tick eggs are in areas with tall grass, leaf piles, or dense vegetation. Think the back corner of your yard where you haven\u2019t mowed in a while. Or under that pile of firewood you meant to stack last fall. Or even around your compost bin if it\u2019s near the tree line.<\/p>\n Ticks love moisture. They need it to survive. So dry, sunny lawns? Not their vibe. But shady, damp spots? That\u2019s their five-star hotel. Especially if you\u2019ve got pets or wildlife passing through. Rodents, in particular, are a big deal here. Mice and chipmunks are like Uber for ticks \u2014 they carry them around and drop them off wherever they go. If you\u2019ve got rodents, you\u2019ve got a tick problem brewing.<\/p>\n And yes, tick nests can show up inside your home. It\u2019s rare, but it happens. Usually, it\u2019s because a pet brought in a tick that dropped off and laid eggs in a cozy corner. Think pet bedding, behind furniture, or in laundry piles. If your dog sleeps in the same spot every day, check it. If you\u2019ve got a cluttered garage with old blankets or cardboard boxes, check that too.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re already dealing with rodents, it\u2019s worth checking out sealing with rodent-proof metal mesh to cut off one of the main tick highways into your home.<\/p>\n How Do You Know It\u2019s a Tick Nest and Not Something Else?<\/p>\n This is where things get tricky. A lot of stuff in nature looks like a tick nest. Spider egg sacs, frog eggs, even certain types of mold or fungus can fool you. So how do you tell the difference?<\/p>\n Tick egg clusters are usually reddish-brown or black, and they\u2019re sticky. Like, really sticky. They cling to whatever surface they\u2019re on, whether it\u2019s a leaf, a blade of grass, or the fur of your dog. They don\u2019t move. They don\u2019t shimmer. They just sit there, waiting to hatch.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a magnifying glass or a phone camera with a decent zoom, you might be able to see the individual eggs. They\u2019re oval-shaped, like tiny jelly beans, and packed tightly together. If you disturb them and they start to scatter \u2014 congratulations, you\u2019ve just unleashed a bunch of tick larvae. You\u2019re gonna want to shower. Twice.<\/p>\n One way to test an area if you suspect ticks are lurking is the old-school drag cloth method. Take a white towel or sheet, drag it slowly across the grass or through leaf litter, then flip it over and inspect it. If you see tiny moving dots \u2014 and I mean tiny \u2014 you\u2019ve got ticks. This method won\u2019t help you find an egg cluster directly, but it\u2019ll tell you if the area is active.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re not sure what you\u2019re looking at, don\u2019t guess. Take a photo and send it to us. Or just call in the pros. Better safe than sorry.<\/p>\n What Time of Year Are Tick Nests Most Likely to Appear?<\/p>\n Timing is everything. Tick season depends a lot on where you live, but in most places, it kicks off in early spring and peaks in late summer. That\u2019s when the eggs are hatching, the larvae are hungry, and everyone\u2019s outside enjoying the weather \u2014 a perfect storm.<\/p>\n Female ticks usually lay their eggs in the spring after feeding. The eggs incubate for a few weeks, then hatch into larvae. So if you\u2019re going to find a nest, it\u2019s most likely between April and June. That said, some species lay eggs in late summer or even fall, depending on the climate.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in a place with mild winters, ticks can stay active year-round. And climate change? Yeah, it\u2019s not helping. Warmer winters mean more ticks surviving and more eggs being laid earlier in the year.<\/p>\n So if you\u2019re raking leaves in April or mowing the lawn in May, keep your eyes peeled. That\u2019s prime tick egg season. And if you\u2019re doing yard work in shorts and flip-flops \u2014 well, you\u2019re braver than I am.<\/p>\n What Should You Do If You Think You\u2019ve Found One? First, don\u2019t panic. And don\u2019t touch it with your bare hands. Tick eggs can carry pathogens, and squishing them can release those into the air or onto your skin.<\/p>\n The safest way to deal with a suspected tick nest is to use a sealed plastic bag and a long-handled tool \u2014 like a stick or tongs \u2014 to scoop it up. Then seal the bag and toss it in the trash. Some folks recommend submerging the bag in rubbing alcohol first, just to be sure. Others go full scorched earth and burn it. That\u2019s your call, but be careful with fire, obviously.<\/p>\n If the nest is in a high-traffic area \u2014 like near a patio, garden bed, or kids\u2019 play area \u2014 you might want to treat the area with a tick-specific pesticide. Look for products containing permethrin or bifenthrin. Or call a pest control service that knows how to handle ticks.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t forget the follow-up. Check your pets. Check yourself. Wash your clothes. Vacuum the area if it\u2019s indoors. Ticks are sneaky, and you don\u2019t want to miss any stragglers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re worried about repeat infestations, consider a home protection plan that includes seasonal tick treatments. It\u2019s not overkill \u2014 it\u2019s peace of mind.<\/p>\n Final Thoughts? Nope. Just Stay Sharp. So next time you\u2019re out in the yard and something catches your eye in the grass, don\u2019t shrug it off. Take a closer look. It might just save you from a summer full of itching, antibiotics, and regret.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re still not sure? Trust your gut. Or better yet, trust a pest control expert.<\/p>\n Safe and Effective Methods for Tick Nest Removal But here\u2019s the thing: you can\u2019t just walk away and hope it disappears. Tick nests don\u2019t just vanish. They hatch. And when they do, you\u2019re looking at hundreds\u2014sometimes thousands\u2014of hungry larvae, also called seed ticks, ready to latch onto the first warm body that strolls by.<\/p>\n So let\u2019s talk about how to get rid of a tick nest safely, effectively, and without turning your backyard into a horror film.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Touch It. Seriously. I know it\u2019s tempting. You want to squish it, stomp it, hose it down. But resist the urge. Tick eggs can carry pathogens, and crushing them can release bacteria or viruses into the air or onto your skin. That\u2019s not just gross\u2014it\u2019s risky.<\/p>\n Instead, grab a long-handled tool like a garden trowel, stick, or even kitchen tongs (if you\u2019re brave and planning to throw them out after). Use it to gently scoop the egg cluster into a sealable plastic bag. If the nest is stuck to a leaf or blade of grass, take the whole thing. Don\u2019t try to shake the eggs off. They\u2019re sticky for a reason.<\/p>\n Once it\u2019s bagged, seal it tight. Then you\u2019ve got two solid options: submerge the bag in rubbing alcohol to kill the eggs, or toss it straight into the outdoor trash bin. Some folks burn the bag, but unless you\u2019re in a rural area with a safe burn pit, that\u2019s probably overkill\u2014and a fire hazard.<\/p>\n And whatever you do, don\u2019t bring it inside. Not even for a second. You don\u2019t want to be the person who accidentally releases a tick explosion in the kitchen.<\/p>\n Vacuuming Works\u2014But Only Indoors Use a vacuum with a bag, not a bagless one. You want to be able to remove the bag and toss it immediately. Run the vacuum slowly over the nest, making sure to get every last speck. Then seal the vacuum bag in a second plastic bag and throw it out in an outdoor trash can.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t reuse the vacuum bag. Don\u2019t shake it. Don\u2019t open it to \u201cdouble-check.\u201d Just get rid of it.<\/p>\n And after you\u2019re done, clean the vacuum nozzle with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant wipe. Ticks are tough little suckers. You don\u2019t want them crawling back out later like some kind of horror movie sequel.<\/p>\n If the nest is in a carpeted area or on upholstered furniture, you might want to follow up with a tick-killing spray designed for indoor use. Look for products that contain permethrin or pyrethrin and are labeled safe for indoor environments. Always read the label\u2014twice\u2014especially if you have pets or kids.<\/p>\n Outdoor Removal: Don\u2019t Just Spray and Pray Short answer: yes.<\/p>\n Long answer: yes, but do it right.<\/p>\n Tick-specific pesticides can help prevent any leftover eggs or larvae from surviving. Look for products that contain permethrin, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin. These are the heavy hitters when it comes to tick control. But don\u2019t just spray the whole yard like you\u2019re fogging for mosquitoes. Focus on the \u201ctick zones\u201d\u2014shady, moist areas with tall grass, leaf litter, or dense vegetation.<\/p>\n And timing matters. The best time to treat is early morning or late evening when ticks are most active and the sun won\u2019t evaporate the spray before it works. Avoid spraying on windy days, and keep pets and kids out of the area until it\u2019s fully dry.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not comfortable handling pesticides\u2014or if the nest was in a high-traffic area like a playset or patio\u2014you might want to call in a professional. A licensed pest control service can apply treatments that are more effective and longer-lasting than anything you can buy at the hardware store. They\u2019ll also know how to spot other potential nesting sites you might\u2019ve missed.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in Montreal and need help choosing a reliable service, this guide on how to choose an exterminator in Montreal breaks down what to look for.<\/p>\n Natural Methods: Do They Actually Work? You\u2019ve probably heard that diatomaceous earth (DE) is a \u201cnatural\u201d way to kill ticks. And yeah, it works\u2014sort of. DE is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It kills ticks by drying them out. But it only works if the tick walks through it. And it has to stay dry to be effective. So if it rains, or even gets dewy, you\u2019re back to square one.<\/p>\n Same goes for essential oils like cedarwood, eucalyptus, or tea tree. They can repel ticks, but they won\u2019t kill a nest. And they wear off fast. You\u2019d have to reapply constantly, and even then, you\u2019re just hoping the ticks decide to go somewhere else.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re dealing with a full-blown nest, natural methods are more like backup dancers. They\u2019re not the main act. They can help reduce tick activity in the long run, but they won\u2019t eliminate an active egg cluster.<\/p>\n That said, once the nest is gone, using DE around the perimeter of your yard or garden beds can help create a dry, tick-unfriendly zone. Just don\u2019t expect it to work miracles.<\/p>\n What About Pets and Kids? Ticks love pets. They\u2019re warm, furry, and low to the ground\u2014basically a buffet on legs. So if you find a nest, check your pets immediately. Look between their toes, behind their ears, under their collar\u2014anywhere a tick could hide. If you find any, remove them with fine-tipped tweezers and clean the area with soap and water. Then give your vet a call. They might recommend a tick preventative or a follow-up exam.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t forget to check yourself and your kids, too. Especially around the ankles, waistband, and scalp. Ticks are sneaky. They don\u2019t bite right away. They crawl around looking for the best spot. So a quick shower and change of clothes can go a long way.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not already using a tick repellent on your pets, now\u2019s the time. Products like collars, spot-on treatments, or oral meds can keep ticks from latching on in the first place. Just make sure whatever you use is vet-approved and safe for your animal\u2019s age and weight.<\/p>\n Preventing Future Nests: It\u2019s All About the Yard Ticks don\u2019t fly or jump. They crawl. Slowly. So they rely on hosts\u2014like mice, deer, or your dog\u2014to carry them into new areas. If your yard is tick-friendly, it\u2019s only a matter of time before another female lays eggs.<\/p>\n So how do you make your yard less appealing?<\/p>\n Start by keeping your grass short. Ticks love tall grass because it gives them a launchpad to grab onto passing legs. Rake up leaves, especially in shady corners. Move woodpiles away from the house. And if you\u2019ve got bird feeders, consider relocating them\u2014rodents love spilled seed, and rodents carry ticks.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re dealing with a serious infestation, you might want to look into residential pest management services. They can help identify problem areas and set up a treatment plan that keeps ticks out for good.<\/p>\n And one more thing: don\u2019t forget the perimeter. Ticks often hang out where the lawn meets the woods. Creating a dry barrier\u2014like a strip of gravel or mulch\u2014can help keep them from crossing over into your yard.<\/p>\n The room froze. Whispers of disbelief rustled like dry leaves. My heart pounded, but I remained steady. This was the finale to a symphony of lies\u2014and I was ready to take control.<\/p>\n Karen lay on the floor, her bravado shattered, tears streaking her face. Colton gripped my hand, voice cracking. \u201cAnna, I\u2014\u201d I turned to the guests and spoke clearly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for the drama, but honesty matters\u2014even today.\u201d I inhaled deeply. \u201cThis wedding is canceled. But the celebration? That stays.\u201d I walked away, veil trailing, leaving betrayal behind. Sunlight warmed my face, and I felt lighter. Heartbreak had become strength, and I was ready to write the next chapter on my own terms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Following the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University, his longtime political rival, Dean Withers, took to social media with an unexpectedly emotional response that…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15864,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hot-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
So, What Does a Tick Nest Actually Look Like?
Let\u2019s get this straight from the jump \u2014 ticks don\u2019t build nests like birds or squirrels. There\u2019s no cozy little twig dome hidden under your hydrangeas. What people call a \u201ctick nest\u201d is really just a cluster of eggs laid by a female tick after she\u2019s had her last blood meal. And when I say cluster, I mean hundreds to thousands of tiny, sticky, reddish-brown eggs packed together like caviar. It\u2019s not dramatic, it\u2019s just gross.<\/p>\n
Alright, let\u2019s talk location. If you\u2019re thinking, \u201cTicks are a forest problem, not a backyard problem,\u201d I hate to break it to you \u2014 that\u2019s wishful thinking. Ticks are opportunists. They don\u2019t care if you live in the suburbs or out in the sticks. If there\u2019s shade, moisture, and a host nearby, they\u2019re in.<\/p>\n
Okay, let\u2019s say you\u2019re out in the yard and you spot something suspicious. A tiny, sticky clump of reddish-brown specks nestled in the grass. You\u2019re 90% sure it\u2019s a tick egg cluster. What now?<\/p>\n
Tick nests are real, but they\u2019re not what most people think. They\u2019re small, sneaky, and easy to miss. But once you know what to look for \u2014 and where \u2014 you\u2019ve got a fighting chance.<\/p>\n
So You Found a Tick Nest\u2014Now What?
Let\u2019s be honest\u2014finding a tick nest near your home is the kind of discovery that makes your skin crawl. Literally. You\u2019re out pulling weeds or tossing mulch in the garden, and suddenly you spot this weird, sticky clump of reddish-brown specks. It\u2019s not moving, but it\u2019s definitely not dirt. Your gut says \u201ctick eggs,\u201d and your brain says, \u201cNope. Nope. Nope.\u201d<\/p>\n
First rule of tick nest club? Don\u2019t poke the tick nest.<\/p>\n
If you find a tick nest inside your home (yes, it happens\u2014especially if you\u2019ve got pets), your best bet is a vacuum.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s say the tick nest is outside\u2014under a bush, in a pile of leaves, or tucked into the mulch bed. You\u2019ve scooped it up and disposed of it, but now you\u2019re wondering: should I treat the area?<\/p>\n
Okay, let\u2019s talk about the crunchy stuff.<\/p>\n
This part\u2019s important. If you\u2019ve got dogs, cats, or curious toddlers running around, you\u2019ve got to be extra careful with how you handle a tick nest.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve dealt with a tick nest, the last thing you want is a repeat performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cSave it,\u201d I interrupted, firm and unwavering. \u201cYou made your choices, and so did I.\u201d<\/p>\n
The minister paused. \u201cAnna, what do you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gasps softened into murmurs. I smiled. \u201cLet\u2019s eat, drink, and celebrate freedom. Today marks the first day of my new life.\u201d<\/p>\n