They don't scare them away, they attract them: the 3 plants that could fill your home with ticks

There's nothing like a well-decorated home, where plants and flowers beautify the space and bring freshness . However, not all plants fulfill this mission perfectly: some, especially those that are dense or retain moisture, can become a haven for dangerous insects like ticks. To maintain a safe and healthy home, it's important to choose your vegetation species carefully. These are the three least recommended.

Some houseplants, although attractive and decorative, can become shelters for ticks, posing a health risk to people and pets. These parasites lodge in dense or moisture-retaining vegetation, often going unnoticed until they become a problem. The Decosfera website highlights these beautiful but tricky specimens and offers recommendations for maintaining a safe home without sacrificing greenery.

1. Ivy:

This climbing plant is known for its ability to cover walls, shelves, or even furniture, creating a highly decorative effect. However, its dense leaves and branches create dark, damp areas where ticks can shelter undetected. Furthermore, ivy grows quickly, making it more difficult to keep these areas ventilated. If you choose to have ivy in your home, it's essential to trim it frequently and prevent moisture from accumulating on its roots and foliage.

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2. Ferns: Ferns are valued for their lush foliage and soft texture, ideal for adding freshness and a natural touch to the home's interior. However, their ability to retain water and stay moist for longer periods of time makes them ideal microhabitats for ticks and other insects . To minimize risks, it's recommended to place them in well-ventilated areas, monitor watering, and periodically inspect the base of the plant and the lower leaves where these parasites could hide.

3. Brambles and thorn bushes:

Although more commonly found outdoors, some species of bushes and brambles are used in gardens or on terraces. Their dense, thorny branches create natural shelters where ticks can survive and wait for a passing animal or person to feed. These plants can also attract small animals that act as tick vectors, increasing the risk. Keeping them pruned, away from frequent footsteps, and inspecting the vegetation after the rainy season helps reduce the likelihood of infestation.

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Why are ticks dangerous to your health?

Ticks not only bite, but act as vehicles for potentially serious diseases, and their presence in the home or garden requires caution and preventative measures. Medline Plus indicates what these risks are: Disease vectors: Ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites when they bite their hosts. Among the most common diseases are: ▪️Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi). ▪️Spotted fever (rickettsiosis). ▪️Babesiosis and anaplasmosis, which primarily affect animals but can be transmitted to humans in some cases.

Skin reactions:

Their bites can cause irritation, swelling, redness, and itching. In sensitive individuals, they can even trigger severe allergic reactions.

Silent transmission:

Many ticks are very small and difficult to detect, especially in their juvenile stages, so a person or pet may be infected without realizing it.

Risk to pets:

Dogs and cats are especially vulnerable, as they can contract serious diseases such as ehrlichiosis or babesiosis, which require urgent veterinary attention.

Persistence in the environment:

They can survive for weeks in vegetation, gardens, or even inside the home if they find moist, sheltered areas, increasing the likelihood of infestation.