5 Natural Ways to Keep Ticks Out of Your Lawn and Garden
This article provides actionable tips for preventing and eliminating ticks in your yard, focusing on natural methods. It draws on the expertise of pest control and gardening specialists, highlighting effective strategies to reduce tick populations and minimize the risk of tick-borne illnesses. The recommendations range from simple lawn maintenance to more involved landscaping and organic treatments.
Details in Summary:
Experts Consulted: The article features insights from Rob Palmer (lawn expert), Marcus Griswold (entomologist), and Matt Smith (pest control professional).
Mowing Regularly: Consistently mowing your lawn is a cost-effective way to reduce ticks by removing their hiding places on leaves and stems. Regular mowing prevents ticks from latching onto hosts.
Create Barriers: Erecting deer-proof fences or using gravel can deter deer, which are common tick carriers, from entering your property. The downside is potential cost.
Plant Tick-Repelling Plants: Planting rosemary, geranium, garlic, mint, milkweed, sage, lavender, marigold, and juniper can deter ticks. However, the effectiveness may diminish as plants shed leaves.
Trim Shrubs: Regularly trimming shrubs, particularly those between 1 and 4 feet tall, removes potential tick habitats and can help to reduce the tick population. This method requires consistent yard work.
Use Organic Treatments: Applying organic treatments like eucalyptus oil, mint, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth to bushes and other areas can control ticks. While these may require more frequent application, they avoid harmful synthetic chemicals.
Ongoing Precautions: Regardless of methods used, it’s crucial to inspect yourself and your clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors.
