Spending time outdoors is great for relaxation and fresh air, but it also comes with some risks. One of them is ticks.
These tiny parasites can carry diseases, making it important to stay cautious. Checking yourself, your family, and your pets after outdoor activities can help prevent bites.
But ticks are not just found in forests and tall grass. They can also be hiding in your own backyard.
Tall grasses are a common hiding spot for ticks. These areas provide the perfect environment for them to wait for a host.
However, grass is not the only plant that attracts them. Ferns are another favorite. The moisture trapped in their leaves creates the right conditions for ticks to thrive, writes WP.
Ground cover plants like ivy can also harbor ticks. The dense, sheltered environment they provide makes them ideal hiding spots.
Arborvitae needles serve a similar purpose. Ticks use these plants as a waiting area, ready to latch onto passing animals or people.
Shrubs such as blackberries, elderberries, and hazelnuts can also be tick-friendly. If you have these plants in your garden, keeping them well-maintained is essential.
Regular pruning and thinning of thick bushes can help reduce the risk. Overgrown shrubs and neglected garden spaces create the perfect conditions for ticks to spread.
Keeping your lawn trimmed is another important step. During the spring and summer months, mowing the grass at least once every two weeks can make a difference.
Ticks prefer tall, shady grass, so cutting it short helps eliminate their hiding places.
Before heading outdoors, using tick repellents is a good precaution. Whether you're going for a hike or spending time in your garden, taking a few extra steps can lower the risk of tick bites.
Certain plants can help repel ticks from your garden. Choosing tick-repellent plants can make your outdoor space less inviting for these pests.
A well-maintained garden, combined with regular checks and protective measures, can help keep ticks away and make outdoor activities safer for everyone.
