Protect Your Yard from Ticks: Key Tips for Prevention
Ticks, known for carrying diseases, are increasingly becoming a concern not just in wooded areas but also in residential backyards. According to Consumer Reports, ticks thrive in damp, shaded areas, particularly under tall grass and yard debris. To reduce the risk of ticks in your yard, experts recommend keeping grass trimmed to about 3 inches, clearing away leaves and brush, and trimming tall grasses and weeds near walkways and play areas. For properties bordering wooded areas, creating a three-foot barrier of dry wood chips or gravel can help prevent ticks from migrating into your yard. Additionally, animals like deer and mice, which often carry ticks, can be deterred with measures such as tall fencing or bait boxes designed to kill ticks without harming the animals.