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Tick Nurseries

Figure 1

Are there plants that attract ticks? There is at least one I found that does, and that is the Japanese Barberry. There may be others. So, if you know of any please let me know.

The Japanese Barberry is an invasive non-native plant. This particular plant attracts ticks because it can can stay humid, creating the perfect place for ticks to reproduce in exponential numbers. Rodents also find a safe haven under this plant, resulting in the transport of ticks throughout the forest and your yard.

So, it brings to question are there areas under plants that can create a similar environment as the Japanese Barberry? Perhaps. More research is needed on my end before I can say. Still, be cautious.

What can we do? For humans and pets we can use tick repellants. A cedar oil spray is a natural repellent. Cedar contains an essential oil that ticks do not like.

The CDC has suggested to make your yard "less attractive to ticks". (CDC) The CDC also suggests using pesticides. I would caution. If you are maintaining a natural habitat, pesticides are not to be used.

What are some more natural ways to discourage ticks in your yard?
  • How about growing plants that have a strong odor or essential oils? Like marigolds, lavender, lemon balm, garlic, citronella grass, peppermint, rosemary. Add cedar chips (cedar contains essential oils), use cedar oil spray. There are more.
  • Ticks do not like the heat. Perhaps create a barrier between your shaded and humid areas that has no shade, like stone or cedar chips. If you are near the woods, you may need a 3 foot wide barrier. Ticks tend to not cross sun barriers.
  • Obviously, good lawn maintenance plays a part as well. If you know you have a tick problem, try not mulching the lawnmower clippings. Bag instead. Consider removing tall grass, weeds, and garden debris. Consider using cedar mulch. I saw on Amazon that there is such a thing as Cedarcide Granules that can be spread around. Not sure how it works or the dangers of that one, so reader beware.
  • Nematodes! We understand that there needs to be habitat for natural organisms and insects in order for our garden to flourish. One organic biological weapon in your arsenal can be Nematodes. Nematodes are very sensitive. You need to store and apply them right so that they survive and do their thing. Nematodes will attack ticks, ants, grubs, other larvae, and be safe for your yard and garden. Again, do your own research then you decide.
April can be the start of the tick season, and can peak perhaps as late as July. Do whatever you are going to do to determine if you have a tick problem and how to mitigate as soon as you can.


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Image Credits:
Figure 1 "Japanese Barberry" by Leslie J. Mihrhoff University of Connecticut

Sources:
Jesse. "Please Stop With The Lyme Tick Nurseries." Jessecology, 18 Apr. 2021, jessecology.com/2021/04/please-stop-with-the-lyme-tick-nurseries/?fbclid=IwAR2qQ62IEveUFVz4JXlJ0AJ-6hACWWMZfjBK8n_xsWjkbmWoE7F4nxpVL3E. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Domoto, Emily. "When Bad Attracts Worse!" Good Natured, 23 Feb. 2020, www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/pages/Article.aspx?post=116. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Unkown. "Preventing Ticks In The Yard." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 Feb. 2019, www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/in_the_yard.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

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Location: Griffith, IN, USA

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