The fall season is gorgeous in the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas. Although the temperatures are cooler, ticks can still remain active. In addition to keeping your pet on year-round tick prevention, check out these three ways to minimize exposure to these blood-sucking parasites for you and your pet.
#1: Clean organic debris and waste from your yard
The leaves that fall and build up in your yard create the perfect environment for ticks and, more importantly, the wildlife hosts that feed ticks. Create an unattractive habitat for parasites and wild animals by removing leaf litter, brush, stones, and lumber. Trim back overhanging tree branches and overgrown bushes to increase sun exposure. Direct sunlight in hot, dry areas helps repel ticks by creating an inhospitable environment.
#2: Mow your grass to the appropriate height
A shorter lawn will put more stress on your grass but will also discourage ticks from settling in. Ticks prefer the cool, shady, and moist habitat provided by longer grass, which also offers protection from insect-eating birds. Keep your yard mowed to about two to three inches to compel ticks to find another home while still keeping your lawn in good shape.
#3: Cultivate pest-repelling plants
Plants such as thyme, catnip, rosemary, wormwood, chrysanthemums, pennyroyal, citronella, geraniums, and eucalyptus are believed to naturally deter a wide variety of insects, including ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and wasps. Growing these plants in your yard may not only keep away ticks but also add beauty to your lawn.
Your pet should be on year-round tick prevention to protect them from these pests and the diseases they can carry. Contact us for help.