Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your outdoor spaces. However, the warmer months can also bring unwanted guests—ticks. Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they can be carriers of serious diseases. In this blog, we will provide you with some effective and practical strategies for keeping your outdoor spaces, especially those with pergolas, tick-free this summer.
Related Article: Why Getting a Pergola is a Smart Investment
Maintain Your Landscape
Ticks thrive in long grass, brush, and leaf litter. Regularly mowing your lawn and removing leaf debris can dramatically reduce the population of these pesky parasites. Pay particular attention to the area around your backyard or pergola if you have one. Many homeowners now opt for pergola installation services to enhance their outdoor living spaces. If you’re one of them, ensure the area is neat and tidy by professional pergola installers to minimize tick-friendly habitats.
Create a Tick Barrier
One effective strategy to prevent ticks from invading your outdoor spaces is to create a barrier with gravel or wood chips. This is especially useful if your property is near a wooded area. A 3-foot wide barrier can deter ticks from crossing into your yard. If you’ve hired pergola installers, you can ask them to incorporate this into the landscape design around your pergola.
Choose Plants Wisely
Certain plants are known to repel ticks. These include lavender, garlic, mint, and rosemary. Incorporating these plants into your landscape can naturally reduce the presence of ticks. Additionally, they add a pleasing aroma and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor spaces. Consider planting these around your pergola, turning it into a tick-resistant outdoor oasis.
Keep Wildlife at Bay
Wild animals, especially deer, are often carriers of ticks. By making your yard less attractive to these animals, you can reduce the likelihood of ticks finding their way to your pergola. Try using deer-resistant plants or fencing to keep them out of your yard.
Regular Inspections and Tick Control Treatments
Inspect your outdoor spaces regularly, especially in and around the pergola, for any signs of ticks. You can turn to pest control services for a thorough and more professional inspection. They also offer treatments that can effectively control ticks in your yard.
Proper Pergola Installation and Maintenance
If you’re considering adding a pergola to your outdoor space, it’s crucial to use professional pergola installation services. Proper installation and maintenance can prevent areas where ticks may hide. Skilled pergola installers are knowledgeable about best practices for installing and maintaining pergolas, reducing the risk of creating tick-friendly environments.
Here are some tips to keep critters away from your deck and pergola:
Pesticide Options
If you’re dealing with a significant critter issue, you may want to consider pesticide options. However, using these products responsibly is crucial to avoid harm to beneficial insects, pets, or humans.
Sprays and Powders: Many commercial sprays and powders are designed to deter or eliminate specific pests. These can be applied directly to cover the areas where critters frequent or on the perimeters of your deck and pergola.
Granules: Pesticide granules can be sprinkled around your outdoor space, particularly effective for burrowing pests.
Professional Pest Control: Professional pest control services can be an excellent option for severe infestations or if you’re unsure about handling pesticides yourself. They have the knowledge and equipment to handle the situation effectively and safely.
Natural Options
For those who prefer a more eco-friendly approach, numerous natural remedies can deter critters from your deck and pergola.
Plants: Certain plants are natural deterrents for specific pests. For example, marigolds deter rabbits and mosquitoes, while mint discourages ants and mice. For ticks, Lavendar, Chrysanthemums, Catnip, Rosemary, Garlic, Sweet Basil, Sage, Lemongrass, and Pennyroyal are good options.
In Oklahoma, the best options would be Chrysanthemums, Catnip, and Sage.
Natural Repellents: Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass are known to repel various pests. Mix with water and spray around your outdoor spaces.
Predators: Encourage the presence of natural predators to keep critter populations in your house in check. Installing bird feeders can attract birds, natural predators of many pests.
Furniture Choices And Suggestions
Your style choice of outdoor furniture and its maintenance can also influence critter attraction.
Material: Choose outdoor furniture made from materials that aren’t appealing to pests. Metals, treated woods, and certain synthetic materials are typically less attractive to critters.
Maintenance: Regularly clean your table and furniture to prevent food crumbs or residues that may attract pests. Use covers when the furniture is not in use.
Placement: Arrange your furniture in a way that doesn’t provide hiding spots or nesting areas for critters. For example, avoid placing patio furniture directly against the fence or pergola.
Your deck and pergola should be spaces for you and your other family and friends to enjoy, not for critters to run rampant. Using the right combination of pesticide options, natural alternatives, and clever furniture choices, you can create an outdoor space that’s inviting for people—not pests. So don’t let critters spoil your outdoor fun. Take proactive measures and enjoy your critter-free outdoor living space!
