Ticks bring more than a bite. They also bring Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Keep you, your kids, and pets safe with some of these tips to stay tick-free from Bill.
1. Reduce the leaf matter around the property
Mice love leaves. They will nest in it. Ticks love leaves. They lay their eggs in it. The eggs turn into larvae and feed on the mice. Mice are one of the biggest carriers of ticks, so you will want to stop them too.
2. Keep the lawn mowed
Ticks don’t like the sun – it dries them out. Keeping your lawn short will expose them to the sun, and force them to retreat in the woods.
3. Make sure your garbage is secured from rodents
No, ticks don’t like garbage! But mice, rats, squirrels, and raccoons do – and they bring ticks!
4. Don’t leave pet food outside
Wildlife will come for dog food, too!
5. Reduce deer food options on your property
Deer love roses, hostas, and day Lillies. They also love juniper, dogwood, and holly. They also like rhododendrons and azaleas.
Plant fuzzy or hairy foliage, aromatic plants, and ornamental grasses instead.
6. Fence-in your lawn
Fences can stop most wildlife from using your property as a food source.
7. Keep furniture out of the woods
We’ve seen a lot of fire pits and lawn furniture that are located right on the edge of the woods. Ticks are sitting on the tall grass and bushes waiting to crawl onto you while you lean back in your chair.
8. Remove bird feeders
Ticks can fly! No, they can’t. But birds do. Young ticks feed on birds. The ticks will drop off the bird when they stop feeding, and can then attach onto you!
9. Have your pets treated for ticks
Talk to your veterinarian about the proper product for your dog or cat.
10. Hire a professional pest control company
By treating the “transition zone” (5-10 feet into the woods that surround the lawn) and shaded garden beds, a professional tick control company can reduce your exposure to ticks and Lyme disease.
