How to Control Ticks Around Your Home
Ticks are becoming a bigger concern for homeowners across Tennessee, especially families who spend time outside with kids, pets, pools, gardens, and backyard cookouts. A recent WKRN shared report noted that tick activity in the U.S. has reached levels not seen in nearly 10 years, and other reporting listed Tennessee among states seeing elevated tick pressure.
For homeowners in Mt. Juliet, Hermitage, Lebanon, Old Hickory, and Nashville, this matters because ticks thrive in places we see every day: tall grass, wooded edges, leaf piles, brush lines, shaded fence rows, and areas where pets or wildlife travel.
The good news is that you can reduce tick activity around your home without immediately hiring a professional. The goal is not to make your yard “tick proof,” because no yard can be guaranteed tick-free. The goal is to make your property less attractive to ticks and reduce the chance of bites.
For homeowners who want extra help with tick control
Why Ticks Are a Concern in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Health tracks tick-borne diseases statewide and has urged Tennesseans to take precautions against ticks. TDH specifically lists illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and alpha-gal syndrome as tick-borne concerns in Tennessee. Vanderbilt University Medical Center also notes that common tick-borne illnesses in Tennessee include spotted fever rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Ticks are not just a “woods problem.” They can be picked up while:
- Mowing the lawn
- Gardening
- Playing near a fence line
- Walking the dog
- Sitting near tall grass
- Cleaning brush or leaves
- Hosting a backyard BBQ
- Letting pets roam near wooded areas
| Yard Area | Why Ticks Like It | What You Should Do |
| Tall grass | Provides shade and humidity | Mow regularly |
| Leaf piles | Holds moisture and shelters ticks | Remove leaves often |
| Wooded edges | Wildlife and rodents travel there | Create a dry barrier |
| Brush piles | Rodents and small animals hide there | Remove or relocate |
| Fence lines | Pets and wildlife travel along them | Trim and inspect |
| Firewood stacks | Rodents may nest nearby | Store away from the home |
| Shaded play areas | Cooler, moist conditions | Move playsets into sunny areas |
Create a 3-Foot Tick Barrier
One of the best DIY landscaping steps is to install a 3-foot-wide barrier of gravel, stone, or wood chips between your lawn and wooded or brushy areas. This creates a dry zone that ticks are less likely to cross.
Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center recommends creating a tick barrier between lawn areas and taller grass or brush
| Material | Good For | Notes |
| Gravel | Long-lasting barrier | Best near wooded edges |
| Wood chips | Budget-friendly option | Refresh as needed |
| Stone | Clean landscape look | Works well around patios |
Are ticks bad in Tennessee right now?
Recent reports have noted elevated tick activity across parts of the U.S., with Tennessee listed among states seeing increased tick pressure. Tennessee health officials also continue to urge residents to take precautions against tick bites.
Where do ticks hide in my yard?
Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, leaf litter, brush, shaded fence lines, wooded edges, and areas where pets or wildlife travel.
Should I spray my yard for ticks myself?
Outdoor pesticides can reduce ticks in treated areas, but the CDC says spraying should not be the only method used to reduce tick-bite risk. Always follow the label and check local rules before applying pesticide