City Ticks: Why Parks, Dog Runs, and Backyards Aren't Off-Limits

TL;DR: Ticks don’t stop at city limits. Whether it’s a weekend park trip or a walk around the block, staying tick-aware — and keeping a TiCK MiTT handy — makes urban adventures a lot safer.

Think ticks only live deep in the woods? Think again. Urban and suburban green spaces are proving just as inviting — and that means city dwellers aren’t off the hook when it comes to tick protection.

Micro-Habitats That Attract Ticks

Even small patches of green can create perfect tick environments. Ticks thrive anywhere that’s shady, humid, and full of hosts — and cities have plenty of those. You’ll find them:

• In dog runs and off-leash areas, where pets and wildlife overlap
  

• Around fences, shrubs, and garden edges, where moisture lingers
  

• In leaf piles, mulch, or tall grass that stay cool and damp
  
  

Birds, squirrels, and even stray animals help carry ticks right into backyards and parks — so you don’t need a forest to be at risk.

Your Pet Check Routine

Ticks latch on fast, so make a habit of checking your dog after every walk or park trip. Focus on:

• Inside and around the ears

• Under collars and harnesses

• Between toes and around tails
  

And before heading back inside, use your TiCK MiTT to remove any loose ticks before they attach. It takes seconds — and saves a lot of worry later.

Yard Tactics That Work

Keep your outdoor space less tick-friendly with a few simple moves:

✅ Mow regularly and trim back overgrown plants
✅ Remove leaf litter and brush piles
✅ Create gravel or mulch borders between lawn and wooded areas
✅ Discourage wildlife by securing trash and sealing gaps in fencing