How should I treat the grass in the garden against ticks? - briefly
Apply a tick‑control product approved for lawns—such as a permethrin spray or a botanical oil—according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then mow the grass to a height of 2–3 inches and clear leaf litter to eliminate favored tick habitats. This combination reduces tick populations while maintaining a healthy garden.
How should I treat the grass in the garden against ticks? - in detail
Ticks thrive in moist, shaded grass where they can wait for a host. Reducing these conditions and applying targeted control measures limit their presence.
Maintain the lawn at a height of 2‑3 inches by mowing weekly during the growing season. Short grass dries faster, discouraging tick activity. Remove leaf litter, tall weeds, and brush piles that create humid micro‑environments. Aerate the soil annually to improve drainage and prevent water accumulation.
Apply acaricides approved for residential use according to label directions. Choose products containing permethrin, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin for perimeter treatment and spot applications in high‑risk zones. Re‑apply at intervals specified by the manufacturer, typically every 2‑4 weeks during peak tick season.
Introduce biological agents such as entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae) or fungi (Metarhizium brunneum). Distribute them evenly over the grass using a watering can or backpack sprayer; they penetrate tick bodies and reduce populations without harming beneficial insects.
Create a physical barrier between the lawn and adjacent wooded areas. Install a 3‑foot strip of gravel, wood chips, or mulch to interrupt tick migration. Trim tree branches to increase sunlight penetration and lower humidity in the border zones.
Inspect the grass weekly for tick activity. Use a white‑cloth drag or sticky tape method to sample the area and assess infestation levels. Record findings and adjust mowing frequency, chemical applications, or biological treatments accordingly. Consistent monitoring ensures timely interventions and minimizes the risk of tick bites.