Spending time in your backyard with kids and pets should be an enjoyable time. But ticks can pose a significant health threat that looms large when you’re outdoors. Thankfully, it is possible to protect everyone with a few proactive measures.
Keep reading to learn how to make a tick-safe backyard for kids and pets.
Put Play Spaces in Sunny Areas
When you’re deciding where to put a swing set, slide, or other play equipment, opt for sunnier areas. You don’t want a sandbox near trees or gardens you water daily, as those areas will retain moisture. Open spaces that sit several feet from trees or other vegetation are the better choice.
Keep Your Grass Short
Commit to mowing your grass frequently enough to maintain a low height. Tall grass can be more prone to staying moist after rain. Instead, aiming for a height of less than three inches when you’re mowing can help you avoid damp grass and ticks.
Use Gravel or Wood Chips
You can maintain a safer environment by establishing a distinct edge separating vegetation from your grass. Wood chips and gravel can work well toward this end. The texture and dryness will be a deterrent for the ticks.
Seek Pest Management Professionals
Sometimes you need a little extra help managing pests like ticks and mosquitoes. Investing in yard treatments can help ensure you’re establishing a healthy outdoor environment for your kids and pets every year. Professionals, such as those at https://www.lastbitemosquito.com, use safe application techniques tailored to your yard’s unique needs.
Deter Wildlife From Entering Your Yard
Adding deterrents can help keep deer and other wildlife from entering your yard. Install a fence to create a physical barrier or introduce lights with sensors to scare deer away. Since deer can carry ticks, you won’t want them taking up residence near your home.
Trim Vegetation
Don’t let your hedges or shrubs become overgrown. When your backyard is enclosed by too many leafy greens, you’ll trap moisture and invite ticks. Regular trimming can help allow more sunlight to dry the vegetation and keep ticks away.
Take Care of Garden Clutter
When you rake garden debris or leaves, don’t let it sit around in your yard for too long. Remove piles of materials, such as old wood or gardening tools, to prevent pest infestations. As a bonus, your yard will look more put-together and be safer for kids playing.
Always Check for Ticks
While you can take plenty of precautions with ticks, it’s still smart to do a physical check of your kids and pets. Do a visual check of your child’s scalp and clothing, or your pet’s fur. Make sure to have your kids take a shower after they’ve been playing outside, too.
Keep Away the Ticks
Ticks can upend your summer if you’re not careful. Some intentional decisions about how you manage your yard, however, can make a big difference. Invest in fencing, be mindful of vegetation, and seek professional pest management.
With the right approach, you can maintain a safe backyard escape for your kids and pets.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
