We're trying to prepare for Spring. Going to chop down ALL the bushes to about 6" height, clear the canyon about 10' out from our backyard, and want to place the wood chip barriers around the perimeter of where our daughter plays.

Also, I read that you were taking some things down to 6 inches...was that correct? Ideally, you will not want very many small bushy plants. The reason is that these plants give mice a place to hide, thus attracting them (and the ticks they carry) into your yard.

Try to use plants that have a trunk that grows up for a little ways before the plant becomes leafy. Don't clump them together so that they provide any cover underneath for rodents. That will help to discourage them from using your yard.

Also, don't plant things in your yard that attract birds. Birds carry ticks as well. Only a few weeks before I became sick I had picked up a baby bird that was attacked by the cat. The bird had ticks on it but I didn't realize how dangerous the ticks were at the time. I don't know if the tick that bit me came from that bird or someplace else but there is a definite possibility that the tick could have been dropped off in my room when I was trying to help the bird. For that reason, I would not encourage them into my yard. Obviously, you can't keep them out but no reason to attract them either.

By the way, don't use pine straw, I think it is even more likely to carry ticks than regular mulch.

Hope this helps a little.

Doing this will limit the area that has to be treated with toxic chemicals. I don't know if it is completely effective, though. Seems like a mouse, rat, deer or bird could easily carry a tick inside the protected area.

As far as what kind, I think any kind of wood works. Its the woods ability to maintain a moist environment that makes it attractive to ticks.

You might also want to check out Damminex tubes. Another way to target the application of pesticide, limiting how much exposure you get while still effectively killing ticks.

PLEASE, PLEASE be very careful of exposing yourself and your children to these pesticides! Don't trade one health problem for another one.

I've read that the Lone Star tick is more aggressive & actually turns toward the animal or person & reaches out to grab hold.

The Lyme Disease Foundation brochure has some good tips -

I'm printing out this thread and will be back again (probably with more questions) once I have a better idea of how to re-landscape.