See 8 common backyard plants that can attract ticks

With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, life in backyards breathes new life, including ticks . These discreet parasites spend much of their lives away from their hosts, hidden in tall, moist vegetation, waiting for the right moment to latch onto a passing animal.

According to biologist Fabiano Soares, some plants common in gardens and vacant lots offer exactly the kind of shelter ticks seek. They aren't inherently harmful, but they require frequent pruning and careful attention to the accumulation of organic matter. "The plant itself doesn't attract ticks. But if poorly cared for, it becomes an invitation," he warns.

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Plants that can attract ticks

Among the most problematic plants are fast-growing grasses, such as guinea grass, elephant grass, and brachiaria. They reach the ideal height for parasites to lurk, especially in areas frequented by dogs and other animals. Shrubs like dracaena and the well-known Comigo Ninguém Pode (Nobody Can) accumulate moisture, creating perfect microenvironments for tick development.

Other species worth paying attention to are the crown of thorns, which, because it is thorny and difficult to manage, tends to retain dirt, and ferns and maidenhair ferns, which thrive in shady, poorly ventilated places — exactly as ticks prefer.

But Fabiano emphasizes that the presence of these plants alone isn't a cause for alarm. "The key is maintenance. A clean yard, well-maintained vegetation, and pet control already significantly reduce the risk." He also adds that the appearance of one or two ticks, however, should be seen as a warning sign. In these cases, the ideal is to perform general pruning, eliminate excess moisture, and, of course, treat pets with products recommended by veterinarians.