While having a yard outside one’s home can be fulfilling, it also means dealing with challenges like ticks and fleas. These creatures can be a nuisance and destroy all the efforts one may have taken to maintain the garden. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to get rid of ticks from yards. Moreover, these are natural alternatives to chemical repellents, so they have the same effects without causing any harm to the foliage.
How to get rid of ticks from a yard
Diatomaceous earth
This powder of a naturally occurring sedimentary rock has a treasure trove of functions, including acting as a tick repellent. Sprinkling some diatomaceous earth is one of the easiest natural remedies for treating ticks in a yard while not harming the plants in any way. In fact, it is even used as a natural soil conditioner, so it has an added benefit of enriching the yard. Diatomaceous earth is also perfectly safe to use, even if one has pets that loiter around in the yard.
Chickens
If one lives in the countryside and can afford to raise poultry in their neighborhood, free-range chickens are a great solution to get rid of ticks. These birds love ticks, so they can ensure that the volume of ticks is reduced in the yard where they are raised. But if the number of ticks in the yard is exceedingly high, they may not be able to destroy every tick as effectively as the other solutions.
Entomopathogenic nematodes
These roundworms are specifically sold in the market as tick repellents and can be sprayed in gardens to get rid of ticks. They are generally considered excellent alternatives to chemical repellents and are safe to use on plants.
Essential oils
While they have a soothing effect on humans, essential oils are ticks’ enemies. So, it helps to add a few drops of any essential oil to water and spray this solution in the garden to get rid of these tiny creatures. One can pick from different essential oils available, such as lavender, peppermint, thyme, cedar, and lemongrass.
Boric acid
Readily available at local stores, boric acid helps to eliminate tick larvae. Although it may not be very effective in destroying adult ticks, it can prevent the tick population from multiplying. But when used in its concentrated form, boric acid can dry out and destroy plants. So, it should always be mixed with water and sprayed uniformly when used on leaves. Alternatively, it can be sprinkled in the powder form over the soil, without causing any adverse effects on plants.
Salt
A basic yet highly powerful ingredient for treating ticks in one’s yard is regular table salt. Since high quantities of salt can destroy one’s yard, it should be used sparingly and in diluted form.
Detergent
The dishwashing liquid used in all homes can also act as a remedy for tick infestation. It’s safe to spray a small quantity of diluted detergent solution over the soil, but it should not be sprayed directly on plants, as doing so can destroy them. Using detergent optimally can help get rid of ticks.
How to prevent tick infestations in yards
Mow the lawn regularly
A yard with overgrown grass and foliage becomes a breeding ground for ticks. So, one should practice yard hygiene by mowing one’s lawn regularly, preferably once every ten days or two weeks.
Create a barrier
To make sure that ticks don’t have direct access to a lawn or yard, one should consider creating a barrier made of wood chips or gravel around its perimeter. Moreover, this barrier should have a width of at least three feet so that ticks cannot find any way in.
Keep rodents away
Ticks tend to feed on rodents to make their way into a yard. So, finding ways to keep rodents away is a useful tip to prevent tick infestation in yards. Sealing up entrances and laying traps and baits can help prevent rodents from carrying ticks and destroying the foliage in one’s yard.
Bathe and groom pets regularly
Often, ticks hide in pets’ fur, so it’s important to check one’s pet dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. regularly for tick infestation. Also, these animals should be bathed and groomed regularly, so that they don’t breed ticks. It’s important to check them particularly when they have been outdoors for long periods.
Keep garden beds clean
A garden bed filled with debris and dried leaves can become a breeding ground for ticks. So, one should keep garden beds clean and dry. Moisture on these surfaces poses a risk of tick infestation.
Prevent deer from entering the yard
If one stays near the countryside, there’s a chance of deer “trespassing” into one’s premises. And while these animals are adorable, they pose a significant risk of bringing ticks into the yard. So, make sure that deer don’t enter the yard.
Avoid trash accumulation
Old furniture, cartons, or any large pieces of trash in one’s yard can increase its vulnerability to ticks. So, it’s best to ensure that such large chunks of trash are disposed of promptly.
Tick infestations are a common problem, and sometimes, detecting them can be difficult, particularly in outdoor areas. Keeping a close watch on the yard, ensuring that the yard is clean and hygienic, and protecting it using barriers can help prevent tick infestations.
