When Lawn Care Meets Tick Season
April arrives with warmer temperatures, longer days, and the sound of mowers humming across neighborhoods. It also marks the start of peak tick season—a reality that every volunteer should approach with both respect and practical preparation, not fear.
For volunteers with I Want To Mow Your Lawn, stepping into yards across the country means stepping into tick habitat. That’s not a reason to avoid service. It’s a reason to be informed, take straightforward precautions, and know what to do after the mower stops.
The Tick Reality in 2026
Ticks have become harder to ignore. Approximately 475,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported in the US annually, and 90% of all vector-borne diseases in the US are caused by ticks. For 2026, experts are projecting tick encounters will remain elevated due to warmer temperatures extending tick activity seasons well into fall.
May marks the beginning of peak deer tick season—the species responsible for transmitting Lyme disease and other serious illnesses. For volunteers mowing yards in April and beyond, this timing matters.
Does Mowing Actually Help with Ticks?
Yes, but with limits. Mowing reduces tick habitat by eliminating tall grass and shady spots where ticks thrive. It exposes ticks to sunlight and drier conditions, which they dislike—they prefer humid environments to keep their exoskeletons hydrated. A shorter lawn is objectively less hospitable to ticks than overgrown grass.
However, mowing is not a complete solution. Ticks are resilient and can escape mower blades by clinging to the underside of grass or vegetation. They’ll continue hiding in leaf piles, brush, and overgrown edges. The goal of mowing isn’t tick elimination; it’s creating a less ideal environment for them to thrive.
Protection Starts Before the Mower Starts
Wear the right gear. Long sleeves, long pants, and tall socks keep ticks on the outside of clothing rather than on skin. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into shoes or socks—this simple step prevents ticks from crawling up legs.
Use repellent. Apply products containing 20% or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin. For clothing and gear, use products containing permethrin. This two-layer approach covers both skin and fabric.
The Critical Post-Service Check
Here’s where most volunteers miss the most important step: what happens immediately after the work ends.
As soon as a volunteer returns indoors, a full-body tick check should happen—ideally within 15-30 minutes. The quicker a tick is removed after attaching, the lower the likelihood of disease transmission. This isn’t about panic; it’s about timing.
A proper tick check includes:
- Using a mirror to inspect the entire body
- Special attention to areas ticks prefer: armpits, behind ears, inside belly buttons, behind knees, between legs, around the waist, and especially in hair
- Checking clothing seams and tags
After the check, shower within 2 hours of coming indoors. A shower or bath washes off crawling ticks that haven’t attached yet—a critical window for prevention. Then, tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks. Hot water is important when washing; cold and medium temperatures won’t kill ticks.
If a Tick Is Found
Don’t panic. Remove it promptly using a fine-tipped tweezers, grabbing it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. Avoid crushing, squeezing, or twisting the tick—those actions can force infected fluids into the bite wound. Place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or container. Clean the bite area and hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
If a rash or symptoms develop in the days or weeks following, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Why This Matters for IWTMYL
I Want To Mow Your Lawn’s mission is to provide temporary relief to older adults, veterans, and neighbors in need. That mission depends on volunteers staying healthy and feeling confident in their service. A volunteer who understands tick prevention isn’t worried or paralyzed—they’re prepared and grounded in practical knowledge.
Volunteers are the heart of this movement. Protecting them protects the ability to show up for the neighbors who need help most.
Bringing It Together
April lawn care and tick awareness aren’t separate concerns—they’re part of the same ecosystem. Volunteers who mow yards in spring are doing essential work, and that work comes with straightforward protective measures that actually work.
Wear the gear. Use repellent. Do the post-service check. Shower. Dry the clothes. These steps are simple, practical, and proven to reduce risk significantly.
Ready to serve your community this spring? Learn how to volunteer with I Want To Mow Your Lawn. For a quick way to find volunteer opportunities or discover how the organization works, try the MOW app—available online or in the App Store.
Printable Guide
