Spending time in your outdoor space is great until pests crash your fun. Ticks are known to invade yards and are likely to stick around if they find ideal conditions. To keep these pests out of your yard, you need to know what’s attracting them. We’ve made a list of five things that can attract ticks to your yard.
1. Tall Grass & Yard Debris
Ticks are drawn to environments that provide them with shade and protection. Tall grass and yard debris can act as shelter for these pests. Ticks will hide in grass or debris and wait for a host to walk by them. If you want to avoid attracting ticks, it’s best to keep your grass cut short. You’ll also want to remove leaves, weeds, twigs, grass clippings, and other yard debris.
2. Shrubs & Ground Cover Plants
Vegetation in your yard can also be attractive to ticks. These pests like to hide in low-hanging shrubs and ground cover plants. Not only does vegetation provide them with a shaded, sheltered hiding spot, it also provides a damp environment. When you frequently water your plants, the soil remains damp, which makes the space more attractive to ticks.
3. Animal Feeders
Animal or bird feeders can be a nice touch to your yard, but they can also cause ticks to show up. The birds and wildlife attracted to the feeders can be carrying ticks. To minimize exposure to these pests, it’s best to place the feeders in sunny spots away from areas you commonly spend time. Placing them in shaded or damp locations will make it more likely for ticks to stick around.
4. Woodpiles
Ticks are also attracted to woodpiles. These stacks of wood can provide ticks with protection from the sun. They can squeeze in between the pieces of wood where it’s cool and shaded. If you have woodpiles, make sure to store them off the ground and away from your house. If possible, place woodpiles in areas that receive plenty of sunlight to help keep them dry.
5. Water
Like most pests, ticks are attracted to damp environments. If your outdoor space has moisture build-up, it can cause ticks to show up. Be careful that you don’t overwater your plants, resulting in excess moisture. Empty and remove items that can collect water such as buckets, toys, or flowerpots. You’ll also want to check for and repair any leaking hoses or spigots. If possible, cut back tree branches and plants to allow more sunlight into your yard.
If you want to enjoy your outdoor space without uninvited guests, you’ll want to make your yard unwelcoming to them. Minimizing potential attractants can help to prevent tick problems. If ticks or other pests are taking over your yard, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.