Keeping Ticks Out of Your Yard

Here in Texas, we deal with many types of pest problems in the summertime. One of the most dangerous pests—albeit tiniest—are ticks! According to a study, tick populations are on the rise as the global climate continues to get warmer and warmer. These tiny parasitic pests hide in grass and shrubs and, before you know it, latch onto their victims. Not only are tick bites painful at times, they also can be very dangerous. After all, ticks are infamous for their ability to transmit a number of illnesses, including Lyme disease. To keep you, your family, and your pets safe from the many dangers of ticks, it’s crucial to learn how to keep these pests away from your yard. The experts at Bug Out are here to help!

How Do Ticks Get In My Backyard?

Ticks are always found outdoors in areas with a lot of trees and grass—so how do they get into our backyards or homes? These pests like to linger in tall grass and shrubbery. Two common instances that can lead to ticks on your property are when ticks latch onto you or an animal. Hiking in nearby trails, especially off the beaten path, can increase your risk (or your pet’s risk) of a tick bite. Once they bite, they can hitchhike all the way back home with you. Another common way ticks get onto your property is when infested rodents or nuisance wildlife carry them into your backyard or home.

Tips For Keeping Ticks Out

With how tiny they are, it can be hard to spot ticks. To prevent them and keep them away, it’s important to make your property less attractive to them. Here’s how:

1. Regularly maintain your yard. Ticks dwell in tall grass and Maintain your backyard by regularly mowing the lawn, placing barriers around your property, and trimming back hedges or trees as needed.
2. Keep wildlife and rodents out. Both of these pests infamously carry and contribute to the spread of ticks. Wildlife exclusion tactics, such as installing secure fences or screen doors, can help prevent ticks in your yard.
3. Learn to identify ticks and tick bites. Your best defense against ticks is learning how to inspect for them. After being outdoors or after a hike, use a handheld mirror to look for tick bites on exposed parts of your body. Check under your pet’s fur for potential ticks as well. If you spot a tick, it’s smart to know how to remove the pest properly.
4. Reduce the clutter in your yard. Reducing the number of potential hiding spots for ticks can discourage them from sticking around. Pick up clutter and avoid letting piles of things gather in the yard for long periods of time.
5. Consider installing barriers. A barrier made out of gravel or wood chips that is at least 3 feet wide can deter ticks. This helps create a natural barrier between wooded or grassy areas and the recreational areas in your backyard.
6. Wash your clothing. After being outdoors, inspect your clothing for ticks. Toss your clothing in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes, or wash them in hot water. A shower after being outdoors also decreases the chance of contracting a disease if you were bitten by a tick.

Tick Prevention in Lubbock TX

Ticks are more dangerous than anyone thinks. If you’re noticing an influx of activity in your yard, it’s time to contact the experts at Bug Out. We’ll inspect your yard to help prevent ticks in your property. Contact us today!