Knowledgebase

ticks and mulch #742016

Asked April 01, 2021, 5:19 PM EDT

I have a pretty natural backyard with mulched paths. I contracted Lyme disease and my neighbor got very sick from the Lonestar tick. Deer love my yard. I read that cedar mulch repels ticks. Wondering if you agree? Also does coco mulch and/or a product called coco coir repel ticks.? Also the product Cedarcide claims to repel mosquitos and ticks. I don't have any pets in my yard, but plenty of other wildlife: deer, squirrels, coyotes, foxes and so forth. So, first I want to use some kind of mulch that ticks don't like, especially on the paths. Secondly, I don't want to harm any wildlife or insect life except ticks. Thanks for any advice!

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

We don't have research on cedar mulch specifically, but any dry barrier will deter ticks from crossing. Wood chips, mulch, stones, etc. As a bonus, often wood chips can be found for free from some arborists who deliver in large loads.

 We would not use cocoa hull mulch because the chemical component theobromine has been found to be attractive and toxic to dogs.

Personal protection and habitat management is the way to go for protecting yourself both from ticks and mosquitoes.

For instance, keep brush and long grass from bending over the paths. Ticks sit at the end of branches and 'quest'- reaching out with their front legs waiting for a person or animal to brush by. Personal protection includes clothing choice and repellent products.

Here is our page on ticks: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/ticks-maryland

And here for mosquitoes: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/controlling-mosquitoes

Christine

Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 02, 2021, 12:23 PM EDT

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