Tick Prevention Guide for Your Yard

Ticks thrive in shaded, moist areas and are commonly brought into yards by wildlife like deer and rodents. Use the following steps to reduce tick populations and protect your dogs and family.

7 Steps to help reduce tick populations and protect your dogs and family

Mowing grass to reduce ticks

Clean Up Tick Habitat

1. Keep grass short (3 inches or less)

2. Remove leaf litter and brush piles

3. Trim bushes and low branches

4. Store firewood off the ground and away from the house

Create A Barrier

1. Install a 3-foot wide strip of wood chips, gravel, or mulch

2. Place barrier between lawn and wooded/overgrown areas

Keep Deer Away

1. Install deer fencing if possible

2. Use deer-resistant plants like lavender and rosemary

3. Consider motion-activated deterrents

Reduce Rodents

1. Seal gaps in sheds and foundations

2. Secure trash and remove food sources

3. Consider tick tubes for mice control

Increase Sunlight

1. Trim trees to allow more sunlight

2. Improve drainage in damp areas

Protect Your Dogs

1. Use vet-approved tick preventatives

2. Check dogs after outdoor activity (ears, armpits, between toes)

Consider Yard Treatment

1. Professional treatments in spring and fall, if needed

2. Natural sprays (cedar oil) as a lighter option