Can Ticks Live in Manicured Yards and Greenspaces?
Ticks are not limited to deep woods.
Infected ticks may still be found in manicured greenspaces.
Well-kept lawns and trails may not eliminate exposure risk.
It was once thought that well-maintained lawns and carefully groomed recreational spaces were relatively safe from ticks.
However, newer research suggests that ticks in manicured yards and landscaped greenspaces may still pose a meaningful health risk.
In their study, “Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA,” Bhosale and colleagues examined whether habitat composition influenced tick abundance and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens.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,” the authors wrote.
Do Ticks Reside in Well-Kept Greenspaces?
The investigators collected ticks along trails at 17 recreational areas in and near Gainesville, Florida.
They identified six tick species carrying 18 different bacterial or protozoal organisms within the following genera:
- Babesia
- Borrelia
- Cytauxzoon
- Cryptoplasma (Allocryptoplasma)
- Ehrlichia
- Hepatozoon
- Rickettsia
- Theileria
While tick abundance was highest in natural wooded habitats, infected ticks were also detected in manicured environments.
“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.
Ticks Along Walking Trails and Turf Areas
The study found that infected ticks could still be encountered on:
- Closely manicured turf
- Gravel pathways
- Walking trails
- Picnic areas
- Landscaped recreational spaces
This risk appeared greater when manicured areas bordered wooded, brush-filled, or undeveloped land.
Encountering an infected tick was “measurable and substantial even on closely manicured turf or gravel, if the surrounding landcover is undeveloped.”
Why Tick Exposure May Be Missed
Many individuals associate Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses with dense forests or remote hiking trails.
But exposure may also occur in:
- Suburban parks
- Neighborhood walking paths
- School recreational areas
- Sports fields
- Landscaped public greenspaces
This may partly explain why some patients develop Lyme disease without recalling traditional wilderness exposure.
Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens
Five of the six tick species examined carried multiple pathogens.
Some organisms identified in the study remain poorly understood and may still represent emerging medical or veterinary concerns.
The authors emphasized that co-infections increase the complexity of the tick microbiome and warrant continued investigation.
Clinical Perspective
The presence of infected ticks in manicured environments suggests that favorable ecological conditions may still exist even in carefully maintained recreational spaces.
Clinicians and patients may need to consider tick exposure risk beyond heavily wooded settings, particularly in endemic regions.
FAQ: Ticks in Manicured Yards
Can ticks survive in manicured lawns?
Yes. Although wooded habitats generally carry higher risk, infected ticks may still survive in landscaped lawns and recreational greenspaces.
Are ticks found along walking trails and parks?
Yes. Studies have identified ticks and tick-borne pathogens along trails, picnic areas, and recreational parks.
Does landscaping eliminate tick exposure risk?
No. Tick exposure may still occur, particularly near wooded borders or undeveloped surrounding land.
Related Articles:
Infected ticks moving into New York City
References:
- 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. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030756
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
Dr. Cameron
Sadly we are not comprehending that ticks are a severe threat and that the Borrelia burgdorferi is not 100% killed by present antibiotics as quoted out by medical doctors to patients suffering the ill effects of this horrible disease. I fear that there are millions of people walking around with Lyme disease or other bacteria, viruses and spores we fail to understand the dangers of. On top of that the cost around the world for medical care because of debilitating effects of lyme and other related issues must negatively effect any medical budgets, not considering the loss of lives or people suffering endlessly.
Ticks appear wherever deer and animals tread. This includes well-manicured yards, golf courses, and even putting greens. Night vision videos show deer, coyotes, and other mammals crossing all greens in addition to fields and woods areas… and these warm-blooded creatures drop ticks, of course. Yards and gardens with watered bird baths also might show high numbers of ticks around the bird baths. Stay alert outdoors.