How to Keep Ticks Away: 14 Steps
![](https://www.thetechedvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/v4-460px-Keep-Ticks-Away-Step-2-Version-2.jpg.webp)
Introduction:
Ticks can be a major nuisance and also pose health risks due to the diseases they may carry. Here are 14 steps to help you keep ticks away from your home, yard, and pets.
1. Keep your agrass short: Regularly mow your lawn to maintain short grass, as ticks prefer taller grass in which they can hide.
2. Eliminate brush piles: Clear away brush piles, leaf litter, and other debris from your yard where ticks can thrive
3. Maintain a clean property: Keep your property free of clutter such as old furniture, appliances, or wood piles that can attract tick-carrying animals.
4. Trim back trees and shrubs: Prune overgrown vegetation to create a barrier between wooded areas and your yard.
5. Maintain a tick-free zone: Create a buffer of gravel or wood chips between your lawn and any wooded areas to discourage ticks from migrating into your yard.
6. Select plants that repel ticks: Choose plants like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds that are known to repel ticks when designing your garden or landscaping.
7. Treat outdoor spaces regularly: Use tick control products on your property through professional pest control services or with store-bought insecticides.
8. Repel ticks with essential oils: Create a natural tick repellent by mixing essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, or lemon with water in a spray bottle.
9. Protect yourself while outdoors: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes when venturing into areas prone to ticks. Tuck your pants into socks for added protection.
10. Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET on your skin and clothing before going out in areas where ticks may be prevalent.
11. Check for ticks daily: When returning from outdoors, examine yourself and family members for any sign of ticks on skin or clothing.
12. Safeguard your pets: Regularly inspect your pets for ticks when they’ve been outdoors, and use vet-recommended tick prevention products.
13. Keep wild animals away: Prevent tick-carrying animals like deer and rodents from entering your yard by installing fencing and sealing any entry points to your home.
14. Educate yourself on tick identification and removal: Learn to recognize the different types of ticks and the best methods for removing them from skin if found.
Conclusion:
By following these 14 steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of ticks in and around your home. Continuously check for ticks on yourself, family members, and pets after spending time outdoors, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you need assistance with tick management.