Prepare Your Property for Fall: 7 Essential Tips to Reduce Tick Activity

As summer fades and we look forward to autumn, it’s tempting to focus on fall fun like Halloween and pumpkins. But fall is also a key time to prepare your lawn against ticks. Ticks thrive in damp, shady spots, and if not controlled, they can become a major issue by spring. Follow these essential tips to keep your property safe and tick-free this fall.

1. Keep Your Lawn Mowed and Clean

Ticks love to hide in tall grass, so keeping your lawn short is the first step in reducing their numbers. Regular mowing ensures that ticks have fewer places to hide and helps to dry out the environment, making it less hospitable for them. Additionally, make sure to clear away any fallen leaves, branches, or other debris that can create the damp, shaded areas where ticks thrive.

2. Remove Leaf Litter and Brush

Ticks often overwinter in piles of leaves or brush, so it’s crucial to remove these from your property. Rake up leaves and dispose of them properly, and be sure to clear out any brush piles or overgrown areas. This not only helps reduce tick populations but also improves the overall appearance of your yard. For properties with large wooded and natural areas, consider our next tip. 

3. Create a Tick Barrier

Consider creating a barrier around the perimeter of your yard using wood chips or gravel. Ticks avoid crossing dry, open spaces, so this barrier can serve as a deterrent. A 3-foot wide barrier between your lawn and wooded areas or stone walls can significantly reduce the likelihood of ticks entering your yard.

4. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Keeping your trees and shrubs trimmed helps to increase sunlight and reduce the moisture levels in your yard, making it less appealing to ticks. Overhanging branches can also drop leaves, which create additional hiding spots for ticks. By maintaining well-trimmed trees and shrubs, you’ll create a less hospitable environment for ticks.

5. Use TickWarriors Property Sprays

For an added layer of protection, consider using TickWarriors property sprays. Our sprays are specifically formulated to target ticks and other pests while being safe for people, pets, and the environment. Applying TickWarriors in the late summer and fall can help reduce tick populations before they lay their eggs. Applications throughout the fall season can help keep your yard tick-free, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy the outdoors.

6. Maintain Outdoor Areas

Keep outdoor areas such as patios and decks clean and well-maintained, and keep play equipment away from woodlines. Sweep away any leaves or debris, and make sure that these areas are well-lit and dry. Ticks are less likely to inhabit open, sunny spaces, so maintaining a clean, dry environment is key.

And, thinking ahead to the springtime planting season … 

7. Plant Tick-Repelling Plants

Consider incorporating tick-repelling plants into your landscape. Certain plants, such as lavender, rosemary, marigolds, and garlic, naturally deter ticks due to their strong scents. Planting these around the perimeter of your yard, near patios, and in garden beds can create a natural barrier that helps keep ticks at bay. Not only do these plants add beauty to your garden, but they also provide a chemical-free method of reducing tick populations on your property.

Taking the time to prepare your lawn and property for fall not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also plays a crucial role in preventing tick populations from growing. By following these tips and using TickWarriors property sprays, you can help protect your family, pets, and home from the dangers of ticks. Get started today to ensure a tick-free yard this fall and beyond!