How to check for the presence of ticks in the garden? - briefly
Inspect low vegetation and leaf litter with a white‑flannel drag, then examine the cloth for attached ticks; additionally, perform a visual sweep of shrubs and ground using a fine‑toothed comb and collect any specimens found. Regularly repeat these checks, especially after damp weather, to monitor tick activity.
How to check for the presence of ticks in the garden? - in detail
Detecting tick activity in a garden requires systematic observation, sampling techniques, and environmental assessment.
Begin with a visual sweep of high‑risk zones—shaded borders, leaf litter, tall grasses, and areas beneath shrubs. Examine the ground surface and vegetation for small, dark, oval organisms about the size of a grain of rice. Move slowly, using a hand lens if available, to increase detection accuracy.
Employ a dragging method to collect unattached ticks. Attach a 1‑m² piece of white flannel or corduroy fabric to a pole, pull it across the ground, and inspect the fabric every few meters. Transfer any specimens to a labeled container with a moist cotton pad for later identification.
Use a flagging technique for vegetation. Attach a similar fabric strip to a stick, wave it through low foliage, and check for ticks that cling to the cloth. This approach is effective in taller grasses and brush.
Set up passive traps where tick activity is suspected. Place white cloths or sticky tapes on the ground in shaded spots for 24–48 hours, then examine for attached specimens.
Record environmental indicators that correlate with tick presence: high humidity, leaf litter depth greater than 5 cm, and recent wildlife activity (e.g., deer tracks, bird nests). Note temperature ranges between 10 °C and 25 °C, which favor tick development.
Schedule inspections during peak activity periods—early morning and late afternoon, especially in spring and early summer. Conduct surveys weekly during these months to track population changes.
Document findings with date, location, and count of collected ticks. If identification is required, send specimens to a reputable laboratory or use a reliable field guide to determine species and potential disease risk.
Implement preventive measures based on results: reduce leaf litter, trim vegetation, create a barrier of wood chips or gravel, and apply environmentally approved acaricides if necessary. Regular monitoring maintains awareness of tick levels and supports timely intervention.