Consumer Reports Urges 3-Inch Mowing to Cut Tick Risk in Yards
Updated
Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 30
Consumer Reports Urges 3-Inch Mowing to Cut Tick Risk in Yards
2 articles · Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 30
Summary
Consumer Reports says homeowners can make yards less hospitable to ticks by mowing grass to about 3 inches, trimming weeds near walkways and play areas, and clearing leaf and brush piles.
Ticks thrive in tall grass and cool, damp shade, the group said, as tick-borne illnesses spread beyond woods and trails into backyards.
3-foot barriers of dry wood chips or gravel can help if a lawn borders woods, while tall fences and tick-killing bait boxes can reduce deer- and mouse-driven spread.
Bagging clippings may be better than mulching in heavy-tick areas or overgrown lawns, and Consumer Reports advises checking for ticks after yard work and using EPA-registered repellents such as DEET or picaridin.