Can Ticks Live in Turf?

Ticks can survive in manicured turf and lawns
Infected ticks have been found in parks and recreational areas
Tick exposure is possible even in well-maintained landscapes

Many people assume that well-kept lawns, manicured turf, and recreational greenspaces are free of ticks. This study suggests otherwise.

In the study, “Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA,” Bhosale and colleagues examined the potential risk of encountering ticks in recreational greenspaces, particularly in groomed areas.¹

“We hypothesized that the habitat composition within greenspaces, whether it was natural habitat or manicured turf, would impact the abundance of ticks and prevalence of tick-borne disease agents,” they wrote.

Do Ticks Live in Turf, Lawns, and Manicured Areas?

The authors collected ticks along trails at 17 recreational areas in and near Gainesville, Florida. They found 6 tick species which harbored 18 different species of bacteria or protozoa within the Babesia, Borrelia, Cytauxzoon, Cryptoplasma (Allocryptoplasma), Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, Rickettsia, and Theileria genera.

“While tick abundance and associated microorganism prevalence and richness were the greatest in natural habitats surrounded by forests, we found both ticks and pathogenic microorganisms in manicured groundcover,” the authors wrote.

Researchers Found Infected Ticks in Manicured Areas

According to the investigators, the risk of encountering an infected tick is “measurable and substantial even on closely manicured turf or gravel, if the surrounding landcover is undeveloped.”

They found that 5 out of the 6 tick species harbored multiple tick-borne pathogens. Some of these have not yet been described and “could still be of emerging medical or veterinary importance,” the authors point out.

The study found that “even in manicured turf and landscaping, infected ticks occurred along walking trails and paths, particularly when those manicured habitats were surrounded by moderate amounts of undeveloped landcover.”

The presence of infected ticks in manicured areas suggests that environmental conditions in these spaces may be sufficient for ticks to survive and pose a health risk.

The findings suggest that ticks can occasionally be encountered even in short grass and closely maintained turf when nearby habitat supports tick populations.

The findings may also apply to residential yards and suburban landscapes located near wooded or undeveloped areas.

These findings also suggest that visitors to city parks and recreational greenspaces should not assume that maintained landscapes are free of ticks.

Can Ticks Be Found on Golf Courses and Recreational Turf?

The findings suggest that ticks may be present in any manicured outdoor environment that borders wooded or undeveloped habitat, including parks, recreational fields, walking trails, and golf courses.

While natural habitats supported the greatest abundance and diversity of ticks, maintained turf was not free of risk.

What the Authors Concluded

• “Overall, the detection of co-infections in our ticks adds to the complexity of the tick pathogen microbiome and suggests the need for continuing research on the importance of co-infections for both human and animal health.”
• “While we found the highest diversity and abundance of ticks and pathogens in natural habitat within greenspaces, we also found a substantial subset in manicured habitats including turf lawn, picnic areas, or along paved pathways.”

These findings highlight the importance of tick awareness and Lyme disease prevention measures even in well-maintained outdoor environments.

For additional information, see When Should You Worry About Ticks in Your Neighborhood?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ticks live in turf?

Yes. Studies have identified ticks and tick-borne pathogens in manicured turf and landscaped recreational areas.

Do ticks live in short grass?

Ticks are more commonly associated with vegetation and wooded habitats, but they can still be found in maintained grassy areas when suitable habitat is nearby.

Are ticks common in backyards?

Ticks may be found in residential yards, particularly when properties border wooded areas or undeveloped land.

Can ticks be found on golf courses?

Ticks may be present on golf courses and other recreational greenspaces, especially where turf borders natural habitat.

Clinical Takeaway

This study challenges the long-standing assumption that manicured lawns, parks, and recreational greenspaces are free of ticks. Although tick abundance was highest in natural habitats, infected ticks were also identified in maintained turf and landscaped areas.

People can encounter infected ticks in parks, lawns, trails, golf courses, and other manicured environments, particularly when those areas border wooded or undeveloped land.

Related Articles

Infected Ticks Moving Into New York City
Are Lone Star Ticks in Your Neighborhood?
When Should You Worry About Ticks in Your Neighborhood?
Prevention of Lyme Disease

References

1. Bhosale CR, Wilson KN, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Dorleans R, De Jesus CE, Wisely SM. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA. Microorganisms. 2023;11(3):756.

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Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.

Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention