The CDC has reported a sharp increase in tick-borne illnesses this year, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome. As ticks move into more suburban and even urban areas, your own backyard could be a hot zone.
Why now?
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Increased vegetation from heavy rains
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High deer populations
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Warmer temperatures
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Low awareness of tick habitats
How to make your yard tick-free:
Clear brush, tall weeds, and leaf litter
Create a barrier: Use mulch or gravel between wooded areas and lawns
Spray regularly with tick-killing insecticides or foggers to reach deep vegetation
Keep lawns trimmed and fences in good repair to deter deer
Best tools to use:
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Backpack foggers: Ideal for large yards, pastures, and around tree lines
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Pump sprayers: For more precise control on smaller properties
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Granular repellents: As a supplement to spraying
Ticks are no longer just a camping problem—they’re a backyard problem. Regular spraying and habitat control are your first line of defense in this record-breaking tick season.
