How To Control Ticks In Your Yard
Posted on: 26 June 2018
Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they also carry diseases that can affect humans and pets. Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are two well known tick-borne illnesses, but they aren't the only ones. Babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and relapsing fever are just a few more diseases to be concerned about. While it's smart to take precautions when hiking in the woods, it can be frustratingly hard to have to take these same precautions each time you step into your yard. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the tick population in your home environment.
Minimize habitat
Ticks prefer a certain type of habitat. You are most likely to find them in tall grasses and brush piles.They tend to get on humans and pets when one pushes through the grass and brush. By mowing down grass and keeping all areas well trimmed, you can cut down on tick habitat in your immediate environs. Brushy shrubs and trees should also be kept trimmed. For trees, it is best to remove lower branches. Shrubs should be trimmed back so they don't overhang paths and walkways.
Exclude vectors
Wildlife, such as deer, are common tick vectors. The ticks feed and hitch a ride on deer or other animals, then they are dropped off in your yard. By excluding wildlife, you can create a zone that is less likely to have ticks. Construct tall deer fencing around your yard. If you can't have a tall fence, then slant the fence outward. Although deer can jump high, they cannot jump far, so this can prevent them from getting over. Make sure to install a solid fence or one with small openings so other animals that could be carrying ticks can't squeeze through or under the fencing.
Create a buffer zone
If your property has a woodlot or borders a wooded area, it can take more work to discourage ticks from making their way into your oasis. Begin by installing a buffer zone. A mulched or paved area, several feet wide, bordering your yard between the lawn and the woods makes it very difficult for ticks to make their way across. Trees from the nearby wooded area should also be trimmed so they don't overhang the yard or buffer zone. Areas where you are most likely to spend time, such as a patio or play area, should be placed as far from the wooded area as possible.
Pesticide treatments are another important part of preventing ticks in your yard. Contact a landscape or tick and flea control company to discover the best time to have your yard treated to avoid ticks.
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