How to check if there are ticks in grass? - briefly
Sweep a white cloth or fine-toothed comb over the grass and examine the material for attached ticks, or use a tick‑drag (a white cloth attached to a pole) to pull across the lawn and check the cloth afterward.
How to check if there are ticks in grass? - in detail
To assess whether a lawn contains ticks, follow a systematic visual and tactile inspection. Begin by selecting a representative area of about one square meter. Use a white sheet or tray to collect specimens that may fall from the vegetation. Sweep the blade of grass with gloved hands, moving slowly from the base toward the tip, and examine the sheet for any attached arthropods.
Key steps for an effective survey:
- Timing – Conduct the check during early morning or late afternoon when ticks are most active on the lower foliage.
- Lighting – Use bright natural light or a portable lamp; ticks are easier to see against a light background.
- Tools – Wear thin gloves, a fine-toothed comb, and a magnifying lens (10×–20×) for close examination.
- Technique –
- Drag the comb across the grass, tapping it gently onto the sheet after each pass.
- Inspect the comb teeth and the sheet for small, dark, oval bodies (typically 2–5 mm in length).
- Sampling – Repeat the process in at least three separate spots within the lawn to obtain a reliable estimate of tick density.
If any specimens are found, identify them to the species level if possible, noting whether they belong to the Ixodes genus, which commonly transmits disease. Record the number of ticks per square meter; a count of one or more indicates a positive presence.
For ongoing monitoring, repeat the procedure weekly during peak tick season (spring through early autumn). Maintain the grass at a height of 3–5 cm and clear leaf litter, as shorter, well‑trimmed vegetation reduces tick habitat. Regular mowing, removal of debris, and application of approved acaricides, if necessary, help keep tick populations low.