Lawns Create a tick safe Zone

A tick safe zone is composed of lawn, is as sunny as possible and begins nine feet or more from the edge of the woods. It should surround your house and encompass the areas of your yard that you and your family regularly use. This includes walkways, areas used for recreation, entertainment, and gardens. Your tick safe zone takes advantage of the tick’s own biology and behavior to keep ticks away.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reports that over 75% of reported cases of Lyme disease are contracted on one’s own property. Therefore, it makes the most sense to modify one’s property to reduce the number of ticks. Studies show that tick numbers can be cut by 50% or more by making simple landscaping changes, such as:

• Maintenance to reduce habitats that attract rodents
• Discouraging mice by controlling their habitats
• Discouraging deer by using landscape plants they don't like
• Considering pesticides when necessary
• Considering deer-resistant plants to discourage deer
• Considering fencing where appropriate and needed

Next:  Considerations for Personal Protection. 
Click on the tick when you're ready.