Living in an area where ticks are known to be present can be very concerning. Ticks are more than just a nasty pest-- they also carry a number of diseases that can be very dangerous. Taking the time and effort to control ticks around your property and in your home is very important if you want to protect the health of your family and pets. Use the following tips to help prevent ticks in your yard and house:

Keep Yard Clean

Ticks tend to live in wooded areas and can be attracted to leaf piles, overgrown plants, grass, and shrubs, and trees. If you want to prevent ticks in your yard, it is important to keep leaves raked up, and regularly trim your lawn, plants, and shrubs. Placing gravel or wood chips between recreational areas of your yard and heavily wooded areas can also help deter ticks. 

Use a Chemical Control Agent

For peace of mind, it is a good idea to hire a pest control company to help with tick spraying on your property. There are powerful pesticides that can greatly reduce the number of ticks that can live in the vicinity of where the pesticide is applied-- make sure the pest control company sprays all of the trees, plants, and shrubs in your yard.

Keep Deer Away

Deer are known for carrying ticks, so you need to do your best to keep deer out of your yard in order to prevent and control this type of pest. Consider putting up physical barriers, removing plants that deer are attracted to eating, and using other types of deer control measures to keep deer away so they can't spread ticks.

Treat Your Pets

If your dog spends a lot of time in your yard, it is important to take measures to prevent your pet from bringing ticks from outside into your home. There are a number of options available, such as tick collars, sprays, and shampoos that are all designed to repel ticks and keep them off your dog. Consult your dog's veterinarian for information about the best product to use.

Always Check Clothing for Ticks

After spending time outdoors, it is essential to check your clothing for ticks before going inside your house. If you have been hiking, camping, or spending any time in heavily wooded areas, it is a good idea to remove the outer layer of your clothing, place it in a plastic bag, and immediately launder it. Make sure you wash and dry your clothes on the hottest settings in order to kill any ticks that may be hiding in the clothes.