Discourage mice and other rodents

It's nearly impossible to completely eliminate mice from your property.  However, what you should try to do is to discourage them by taking these common-sense steps.

• Keep garbage cans securely closed, and locate away from your house, if possible. 
• Don't locate bird feeders close to the house, or within the area in which you would like to reduce ticks.  Bird seed often spills on the ground, and attracts rodents.  You may want to consider eliminating bird-feeders altogether.
• A cat can certainly help control the rodent population.  However, an outdoor cat will probably bring ticks into the house on her body.  An indoor cat will control any mice that do come inside for the winter.
• Keep your landscaping neat.  Reduce cracks, crevices, and other potential nesting places for mice, at least within your tick safe zone.