Warm weather is here, and that means millions of outdoor enthusiasts are searching for the best way to keep ticks away from their skin – and far away from their backyard spaces too!
Although thought of by many to only be an issue when visiting the deep woods, ticks are quite prominent in suburban neighborhoods as well. In fact, they can often be even more plentiful residential locations.
Ticks cannot fly or even jump, but they are amazingly diligent crawlers. And once established in an area, they can quickly breed and become an issue. Especially if the conditions and habitat are to their liking.
Not only can their bite be painful, it can also carry and spread a fair amount of disease. In addition to Lyme disease, there are dozens of additional ailments ticks can carry and pass on. And not just to us humans, but to our pets as well.
Although there are quite a few sprays and repellents on the market to both repel and kill ticks, many worry about the effects of these products on their skin and well-being.
But there are indeed a few very simple and effective methods that can help to keep them away naturally. And in the process, protect you, your family, and your pets without the worry of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
How To Keep Ticks Away – 3 Simple & Natural Methods That Work
#1 Keep Your Lawn Mowed, Trimmed & Tidy
Believe it or not, one of the best ways to control the population of ticks is by maintaining a neat and tidy lawn. These tiny blood-sucking creatures love thick cover and moisture. And nothing provides more of both for them than an overgrown lawn!
High grass and tall weeds are the ultimate welcome sign for ticks. Not only does it give them a great place to hide and lie in wait, the dense, thick grass is also perfect for holding in moisture.
Mow your lawn often to keep grass from becoming too tall and inviting. In addition, don’t allow clumps of decaying grass to stay in the yard. Grass clumps hold moisture in, and serve as a wonderful home for ticks to live and thrive.
The same goes for weeds left to grow high around trees, buildings, walkways. walls and woodpiles. All of these locations are typical hideouts where ticks can thrive.
The less cover you provide for them, the more they will avoid your lawn. Ticks do not like excessive heat, and with little cover, they move on to better pastures.
#2 Plant With A Purpose – Plants That Repel Ticks
In addition to keeping your lawn neat and tidy, what you plant in your flowerbeds can also have a big impact on the tick population in your yard.
There are certain plants that ticks simply cannot stand to be near or around. And planting them in your garden, flowerbeds, or even in pots and containers can help keep them away.
A prime example of this is lavender. In fact, planting and growing lavender is one of the best natural methods of all in repelling ticks. They absolutely detest the floral scent, and will move far away.
In fact, not only will the plant help keep them away, but so will rubbing a bit of the leaves and flowers from lavender on your skin prior to enjoying time outdoors. It is a wonderful natural repellent, without the worry of any man-made chemicals touching your skin.
Additional Herbs and Plants To Grow
The same goes for other herbs such as rosemary, sage and all of the mint family too. Best of all, these plants are perennials. That means they can be planted once, and come back to help each and every season to keep populations at bay.
Listen In Below To Our Podcast On Controlling Ticks!
Looking for more plants that help? Geraniums, chrysanthemums, garlic and onions all work. As will lemongrass and marigolds too.
#3 Water Smart – Keeping Moisture Away From Ticks
Last but not least, how and when you water your lawn and plants can have a big impact on your tick population too. As mentioned earlier ticks love moisture. In fact, they need it to survive. Especially in the heat of summer.
Watering your lawn, garden and flowerbeds can actually help keep them alive. It doesn’t meant you can’t or shouldn’t water your plants, but how you do it makes all the difference.
When watering flowers and plants, water right at the source. Avoid using large sprinklers that soak entire areas full of water. Remember the more water that is spread around, the more it will help keep ticks alive.
And If You Do Have A Tick Bite…
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to keep them away, a tick is going to find its way onto your skin and latch on. And when it does, there are a few things that can go a long way in protecting you against many of the diseases the tick can carry.
First and foremost, check your skin regularly for any sign of a tick. Remember, they are crawlers, and they will often try to locate themselves in a far away and hard to reach location.
The real key is early removal. According to the New York State Department of Health’s website, by simply removing a tick within the first 36 hours can greatly reduce the spread of Lyme disease.
When removing, they also recommend to not use flames or a hot match to attempt to get it to release. This can actually allow the tick to release more infection into your skin. Instead, use tweezers to pull it out from as close to your skin as possible.
And one final note, contrary to popular belief, the if the mouth breaks off, don’t panic. It cannot transmit any disease as long as the body has been removed. It can be safely removed much like a splinter without worry.
Here is to keeping ticks away from your lawn and landscape this year, and enjoying a wonderful pest-free summer!
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