It’s tick season in New England. Ticks can carry lime and other diseases. It’s therefore important to protect your family while enjoying the outdoors this season. Here are a few tick prevention tips for your MA home.
Spray Treatments
Certain pesticide sprays specifically target ticks. Products can be purchased at your local hardware store. Pest prevention companies also offer services. Before applying any pesticides, be sure to check with your city or town regarding any local regulations that may limit the types of products that you use. Also, keep in mind that tick activity may increase during the first 24 hours after treatment. This occurs as ticks attempt to leave the treated areas.
Yard Maintenance Can Help
Certain yard conditions can increase tick activity. Here are a few things that you can do to minimize the amount of ticks in your yard.
- Eliminate piles of leaves and yard debris.
- Place gravel or wood chips along the border of your yard. Ticks are less likely to travel from wooded areas over such barriers into your lawn. It is recommended that these areas are at least three feet wide.
- Install fencing around your yard. Ticks are often carried by wild animals, so minimizing their access to your yard can also reduce the number of ticks.
- Avoid storing old furniture and other types of trash in your yard. These are great hiding places for ticks.
- Store wood in a dry area away from your immediate home or yard.
- Mow the lawn regularly.
Protect Your Body and Clothing
As you spend time outdoors, it’s also important to protect your body and clothing. If possible, wear clothing that completely covers your skin. Use sprays that contain at least 20% DEET. Check your clothing and hair upon returning from the outdoors. Lastly, be sure to immediately wash and dry clothing on high heat (for 10 or more minutes) to kill any ticks that may remain.
All of these precautionary steps can help reduce tick encounters in your yard. Enjoy the outdoors and stay safe this season!
