What does leaf litter have to do with ticks?

Ticks dry out easily. That is why they are not found in the middle of lawns. Ticks are present in large numbers at the edge of lawns where the forest and unmanaged grasslands begin. Tick control is focused on the perimeter of a yard to treat the tick habitat. The impact of leaf litter on tick population is direct. More leaf litter results in more ticks. This is because the leaf litter provides moist tick habitat. Removing leaves to a dedicated leaf pile is fine if the pile is away from areas people and pets will be using. Mulching the leaves in place with a mower works well because they breakdown more quickly.