There are several steps you can take to help minimize the risk of ticks in and around your property. These practices include:

• Keep the grass mowed frequently.
• Remove leaf litter, brush and weeds at the edge of the lawn.
• Restrict the use of groundcover, such as pachysandra in areas frequented by family and roaming pets.
• Remove brush and leaves around stonewalls and wood piles.
• Discourage rodent activity. Cleanup and seal stonewalls and small openings around the home.

• Move wood piles and bird feeders away from the house
• Manage pet activity, keep dogs and cats out of the woods to reduce ticks brought back into the home.
• Use plantings that do not attract deer or exclude deer through various types of fencing.
• Move children’s swing sets and sand boxes away from the woodland edge and place them on a wood chip or mulch type foundation.
• Trim tree branches and shrubs around the lawn edge to let in more sunlight.
• Consider areas with decking, interlock, and hardscaping in areas around the house of frequently travelled.
• Widen woodland walking trials.