Ticks are small irritating critters that feed on blood to survive. These parasitic insects are usually found on animals but they can also bite humans. Tick bites normally don’t cause pain but may cause irritation or swelling of the skin.
However, ticks also carry germs and can pass severe illnesses to humans including Lyme disease.
Ticks don’t get into the house and like to stay in moist areas. That’s why it is crucial to make your yard repulsive to these critters. Otherwise, they might find their way into your house and infect you with a disease.
We have enlisted some effective ways that’ll help you keep the ticks away from your yard. Let’s start with some protective measures to ensure your safety.
Follow Preventive Measures
The best way to avoid ticks is to follow preventive measures. Even when you are gardening in your yard or in areas that are known for a high tick population.
The following habits can keep you safe against tick bites.
- Check your pets for ticks
- Avoid long grass when out walking
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt
- Tuck trousers into socks
- Wear light-colored clothes
- Use insect repellent
Use Natural Tick Repellants
The best way to keep ticks away from your home is through natural tick control. There are several natural tick repellents available on the market. You can buy these online or prepare one by yourself at home as well.
Most homemade recipes include natural oils extracted from geranium, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, cedar, and rosemary. These natural oils have proven to benefit when it comes to ticks prevention.
You can spray these natural repellants on plants, doorways, or other areas of your yard. Some people also apply them on their skin to keep the ticks away.
In case you are looking for some recipes, we have some ideas for you.
Spray Neem Oil
Neem is renowned for having a repellent effect against bugs and critters. People have been using Neem oil as a natural remedy for centuries and it’s also useful against ticks.
To prepare a repellant, you can use the oil directly and can also prepare a solution. However, Neem oil solution is more commonly used against insects. You can also apply the oil to pets (dogs) in diluted form and spray it on plants.
Prepare Eucalyptus Oil
This is another natural insect repellent that has proven effective against ticks. However, we do not recommend you use pure eucalyptus oil.
To prepare a dilute solution, you need to add about 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a spray bottle. Then add around 4 ounces of water (distilled or purified) and mix it up by shaking.
Now you can apply this natural oil solution on your doorsteps, yard, clothes, and shoes. The best part is that this diluted solution can also be applied directly to pets (cats and dogs).
Try Cedar Oil Spray
Another non-toxic natural tick repellent that is being used widely is cedar oil. The best part is that it is completely safe for both humans and pets. So you can use cedar oil directly on the skin without diluting it.
Cedar oil spray kills many common insects and repels or irritates others. If you don’t have the time to extract the cedar oil, you can also purchase it online.
Keep Your Grass Short
Another good strategy to keep ticks away is to mow your grass timely and accurately. Try to keep the grass short to get rid of these irritating critters. Ticks are often present on the edges of the lawn and these are the spots that you should trim neatly.
Moreover, try to clean and dump the litter properly along with the grass clippings. You can also use these to prepare compost which then can be used to enrich the soil.
Grow Tick Repellant Plants
We know that plants have insect-repellent properties and foliage can repel ticks with their oils and fragrances. You can also grow some of these plants to keep your yard free from ticks.
The most commonly used plants include marigolds, rosemary, beautyberry, lavender, mint, sage, and garlic. Adding these plants to your yard will also make it look more beautiful. You can use these plants in patches and can also grow around patios, pet runs, walkways, and decks.
To repel ticks, you can also grow these plants near doors and windows.
Discourage Tick-Carrying Animals
Some animals are known to carry ticks which can pollute your yard. Dogs are known to carry ticks on them while rodents are notorious for spreading ticks. By discouraging these animals, you can keep ticks away from your yard.
If you have a dog, keep it clean and get a regular inspection for ticks.
Irritate Their Feet
Ticks cannot run or jump but they can walk from one place to another. So, you should restrict their movement to prevent them from entering your home.
The best way to do so is by placing wood chips or gravel around your yard. Ticks cannot walk over gravel or wood chips and therefore, you should use these materials. This will create a buffer zone and stop the ticks from moving across your property.
Destroy Tick Habitat
You will find ticks in areas of your yard which have long grass or overgrown plants. That’s because ticks like to live in places that are shady and moist. So, you should always prune your planting and remove brush piles.
Another way to prevent ticks from entering your yard is by planning your landscaping. This is the same as you would design your yard for butterflies or friendly birds.
Get Tick-Eating Animals
We have mentioned that some animals and pets attract ticks. Similarly, some animals are known for picking ticks and consuming them as food. So, if you are a wildlife lover, you can keep these animals in your yard.
For example, bluebirds, robins, and jays like to hunt insects. Likewise, ducks and chickens are friendly animals that hunt ticks.
Hire an Exterminator
In case you don’t have the time or experience for doing the job, hire an exterminator. A professional pest controller can guide you and help you get rid of ticks.
Exterminators know how to deal with and control an insect infestation. They have the skills and equipment to ensure that ticks do not enter your property.
Takeaway Words
We hope you are now aware of how to keep ticks away from your yard. The best you can do is follow preventive measures and spray a natural tick repellent. If you don’t want to do it by yourself, hire an exterminator to do the job.
