What should be done to effectively prevent tick infestations in residential areas?

Regularly mowing the lawn is an effective preventive measure against tick infestations in residential areas. Ticks thrive in tall grasses and dense vegetation where they can easily attach to passing animals and humans. By keeping the lawn well-maintained and trimmed, the habitat suitable for ticks is significantly reduced.

Maintaining a short and healthy lawn not only decreases the likelihood of ticks by disturbing their habitats but also allows for better sunlight penetration and air circulation, which are conditions that ticks prefer to avoid. This practice can also involve clearing out any leaf litter, brush, or debris where ticks may reside.

In contrast, leaving tall grass untrimmed creates a favorable environment for ticks, decorative landscaping may not provide adequate barriers against tick habitats, and encouraging wild animal habitation can increase tick populations since many animals serve as hosts for ticks and may introduce them to residential areas.