AI Image
What to know before you rake
The Weather Channel • • health
Key Points:
- Blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, thrive in leaf piles during fall because these piles provide the shade and moisture necessary for their survival, making them a prime habitat for ticks that carry Lyme disease.
- To reduce tick presence, it is recommended to avoid creating leaf piles in your yard; instead, bag leaves for curbside pickup or rake them into wooded areas away from where people and pets frequent.
- If leaf piles must remain, place them in less-used parts of the yard, far from seating areas, grills, and play structures to minimize exposure.
- For personal protection, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, thoroughly check clothing and body for ticks afterward, inspect pets for ticks, and shower soon after outdoor activities.
