{"id":144,"date":"2025-04-28T18:54:58","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T18:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frontrangepest.com\/blog\/?p=144"},"modified":"2025-04-28T18:55:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T18:55:47","slug":"how-to-limit-the-tick-population-on-your-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frontrangepest.com\/blog\/how-to-limit-the-tick-population-on-your-property\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Limit the Tick Population on Your Property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ticks are not only a concern when venturing into the great outdoors\u2014they can also thrive in your own backyard. Colorado, with its abundant grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, provides the perfect environment for ticks to live and hitch a ride on pets or humans. Whether you’re walking your dog, gardening, hiking, or hunting, it’s important to take measures to limit tick exposure both inside and outside your home. Here\u2019s how you can reduce the tick population<\/a> around your Colorado property and protect yourself and your family from tick bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Know Where to Expect Ticks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ticks thrive in tall grasses, brushy areas, and wooded environments, making areas near your home, like lawns, gardens, and forests, prime habitats. In Colorado, ticks are commonly found in these spaces. To avoid exposure, try to stay on well-maintained trails and paths when walking or hiking, and steer clear of areas with dense vegetation. Keeping a safe distance from these high-risk zones will help minimize your chances of encountering ticks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Treat Clothing and Gear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting yourself and your gear is essential when heading outdoors. You can treat your clothing, boots, and camping gear with a product containing 0.5% permethrin, which remains effective even after several washes. Alternatively, consider buying pre-treated gear for added convenience. Additionally, use EPA-registered insect repellents<\/a> with active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully to maximize effectiveness. Remember, children under 3 years old<\/a> should not use products containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Check for Ticks After Outdoor Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ticks can easily hitch a ride on your clothing, pets, and gear. After spending time outdoors, always check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. It\u2019s also a good idea to tumble-dry your clothes on high heat for 10 minutes, as heat will kill ticks. If your clothes are damp, additional drying time may be needed. For a more thorough cleaning, wash your clothes in hot water to ensure any ticks are removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Shower After Being Outdoors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Showering within two hours of coming inside can help reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease by washing off any unattached ticks. This is a great time to do a full body tick check, especially around areas like your armpits, ears, and scalp, where ticks are more likely to attach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Conduct a Full Tick Check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perform a thorough tick check after every outdoor activity. Be sure to check under the arms, behind the knees, around the waist, in and around the ears, between the legs, and in the hair. Use a handheld or full-length mirror to help inspect hard-to-see areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Safely Remove a Tick<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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If you find a tick attached to your skin, it\u2019s essential to remove it properly to avoid any potential health risks. Follow these steps from the CDC<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo: Instructions on how to remove a tick, from the CDC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n