Ticks may be tiny, but they’re one of the biggest pest threats. In the spring and summertime in St Louis, ticks are one of the main pests you need to keep an eye out for. According to a study, tick populations are on the rise as the global climate continues to get warmer and warmer. These pests aren’t just a nuisance—they are considered very dangerous due to their ability to bite and transmit tick-borne illnesses. Ticks famously bite animals outdoors, but they can latch onto your skin as well. To prevent bringing them into your home, it’s crucial to learn how to keep ticks away by preventing their bites and making your yard less hospitable. The experts at Blue Chip Pest Services are here to help—read on to learn our best tips to keep ticks out for good.

Why Are Ticks in My Yard?

Ticks are typically found out in nature—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.

8 Tips to Keep Ticks Out of Your Yard

With their tiny size, it can be hard to spot ticks outdoors. The best way to prevent them, then, is to make your property less hospitable to their activity in the first place. Here’s how to keep ticks out:

1. Take care of your yard. Ticks love tall grass and unkempt shrubs. 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. 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 how 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 any, it’s smart to know how to remove a tick properly.
4. Reduce the clutter in your yard. Not only will this prevent ticks, but also the animals that commonly carry them. Reducing the number of potential hiding spots for ticks can discourage them from sticking around.
5. Install 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. Check your clothing and shower. 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.

Need Help Getting Rid of Ticks?

If you are noticing an abundance of ticks or wildlife that could carry them, it’s best to contact your local tick control experts. At Blue Chip, we will thoroughly inspect your property and help put prevention measures in place to keep you and your family safe. Contact us today!