Garden tips: Avoid tick-attracting plants and repel naturally
Ticks are unwelcome visitors whose presence in your garden can pose a threat to the health of both people and animals. Some plants may attract these arachnids, creating ideal conditions for them to thrive. Discover which plants to avoid planting in your garden to minimize the risk of tick infestations.
Ticks thrive in moist and shady areas. Dense shrubs, tall grasses, and low-hanging tree branches create an ideal environment for their presence. Ticks can hide in leaves, waiting for a potential host to pass by.
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So, what plants attract ticks? Plants such as ferns, ivy, hazel, blackberry, and elderberry offer convenient hiding spots. Ticks may also inhabit ground cover plants, as these create a favorable environment. However, if you don't want to give up these plants, proper garden maintenance is crucial.
How to avoid ticks in the garden?
Proper garden care can significantly reduce the number of ticks in the area. Regularly mowing the grass and trimming shrubs are basic steps that help limit their presence. During the spring and summer, if temperatures allow, it's best to mow the lawn at least once every two weeks. Additionally, remember to apply tick-repelling products before spending time outdoors.
Certain plants can help repel ticks. Lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, lemongrass, and medical rosemary emit scents that can discourage these arachnids from settling in your garden. Plants like onions, garlic, horseradish, thyme, and wormwood also deter ticks. Introducing these into your garden can serve as a natural way to reduce the number of ticks. Combining different species helps create an effective scent barrier.
How to remove ticks from the garden?
In addition to planting tick-repelling species, other methods can help keep ticks at bay. Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can be spread in the garden to deter ticks from settling in. While chemical treatments are available, consider ecological alternatives that are safer for the environment.