Mosquito & Tick Prevention: How To Keep Your Lawn & Landscape Safe
Mosquitoes and ticks are two common pests in the Northeast, and both can transmit serious diseases to humans and pets. Taking preventive measures early in the season is crucial for keeping these pests off your property and protecting your lawn, landscape, and health. Fortunately, there are several effective steps you can take to reduce mosquito and tick populations around your home.
Why Mosquitoes and Ticks Pose a Risk to Your Health
Both mosquitoes and ticks can transmit a range of diseases to humans and pets through their bites. Mosquitoes are known carriers of parasites, bacteria, and viruses, including West Nile virus. Ticks, particularly black-legged ticks (also called deer ticks), are well-known for spreading Lyme disease. They can also transmit other bacterial infections, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The first step in protecting your family and pets is to prevent these pests from infesting your lawn and landscape through proactive yard maintenance and control strategies.
Eliminate Habitats for Ticks and Mosquitoes in Your Landscaping
When designing your lawn and landscaping, it’s essential to avoid environments that attract ticks and mosquitoes. Ticks like moist, shaded areas and can easily hide in underbrush, tall grass, and fallen leaves. To prevent this, ensure your lawn and landscaping are well-maintained, with grass trimmed short and leaves and debris removed to avoid accumulation on your property. Mosquitoes can also easily hide in overgrown shrubbery and breed with access to even the smallest amount of standing water. Eliminate any items from your landscaping that allow water to collect and sit, such as buckets and flowerpots. As with ticks, maintaining your lawn can also significantly reduce hiding places for mosquitoes.
Create Barriers and Add Deterrents for Ticks and Mosquitoes on Your Property
Deer ticks, the type of tick responsible for spreading Lyme disease, often travel on deer. You may want to add deer fences or other deterrents to prevent deer from encroaching on your landscaping. Additionally, various plants can help deter ticks, including marigolds, nasturtium, daffodils, hyacinths, and wisteria. Some plants also have an aroma that repels mosquitoes, including citronella, lavender, and lemon balm. Incorporating tick- and mosquito-repelling plants into your property can help deter these pests.
Treating Your Lawn for Mosquitoes and Ticks
Pesticides can also be an effective way to help prevent mosquitoes and ticks from infesting your property. Numerous chemical and natural treatment options are available for spraying on your lawn. At North Eastern Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care, we recommend using organic or environmentally friendly products that are certified as “reduced risk” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These products are designed to be effective against pests while minimizing harm to people, pets, beneficial insects, and the environment. When appropriately selected and applied, organic pesticides can serve as a safe and effective method for managing mosquitoes, ticks, and other common lawn pests.
Get Professional Tick and Mosquito Treatment for Your Property
At North Eastern Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care, we offer professional tick and mosquito control services. Our certified arborists will carefully assess your landscape and develop a customized pest management plan tailored to your specific needs. We specialize in natural and organic treatments that offer effective protection against ticks and mosquitoes, without relying on harsh or hazardous chemicals.
Turn to the Experts
To learn more about our organic mosquito and tick control services or any of our related landscape and lawn care services, contact North Eastern Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care.
