Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They also spread diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Here are our top tips for keeping your yard free of ticks this season.
- Maximize sunlight. Ticks need damp, humid areas to survive. Try to address drainage issues on your property and trim your trees to allow for more direct sunlight in the areas you use the most.
- Deter wildlife. Ticks go where their food goes, so if deer, mice, chipmunks, and other wildlife are regular guests in your yard, you might need to look into ways to put an end to that. Try fencing, repellents, and removing attractors like wood piles and trash.
- Cut your grass. Ticks use long grass and brush to hitchhike on passing animals (and people). Mowing your grass regularly and keeping brush areas trimmed makes life more difficult for ticks. It also has the added benefit of increasing sun penetration.
- Create a perimeter. If your yard is near any fields or wooded areas, consider creating a “dead zone,” or a path filled with gravel or mulch to act as a buffer for your active areas. Ticks don’t like having to crawl over these materials, and are less likely to enter your yard.
- Treat your yard. One of the most effective ways to reduce your yard’s tick population is to apply a pet- and human-safe treatment. Our blend uses cedar oil to kill ticks on contact and control populations for another 30 to 60 days.
If you have questions about deterring ticks, give us a call. We’d be glad to help.