Consumer Reports Advises on Tick-Proofing Yards to Prevent Illnesses
Consumer Reports has highlighted the increasing threat of ticks and the illnesses they carry, which are not limited to hiking trails but are also prevalent in backyards. According to Paul Hope from Consumer Reports, ticks thrive in tall grass and damp, shaded areas. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to mow grass to about 3 inches high, trim tall grasses and weeds, and clear away piles of leaves and brush. Additionally, creating a three-foot barrier of dry wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas can help prevent ticks from entering yards. The report also suggests discouraging animals like deer and mice, which can carry ticks, by using tall fences and bait boxes that kill ticks on mice without harming the animals. 
