Why that leaf pile in your yard could be crawling with ticks

Nothing screams fall like jumping into a big pile of leaves, except for when you realize what’s hiding in there — a bunch of ticks.

And not just any kind of tick, blacklegged ticks, also commonly known as deer ticks, which are the primary carriers of Lyme disease.

If you’re anything like me, your skin is already crawling just thinking about it.

But, don't worry, there are some easy things you can do to keep your yard, your family and your pets safe this fall.

A perfect tick paradise

So, why do deer ticks love leaf piles?

There are two key factors that help the little buggers survive and thrive: shade and moisture.

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Ticks are sensitive to sunlight and dehydration. They rely on humidity to stay hydrated by absorbing water from the air through their shell.

(MORE: When you should bring houseplants inside for fall)

So, open, sunny areas, like the center of your yard, will likely not have many ticks.

But, that’s why leaf piles are perfect.

They provide shade and reprieve from the heat as well as retaining moisture that keeps the critters alive and well.

How to tick off the ticks

The easiest way to protect your yard and your family from ticks is to just not make a home for them at all.

Rather than raking your leaves into a pile at the edge of your yard, bag them up and set them out for curbside pickup.

(WATCH: When can you stop mowing?)

Another easy solution is to rake the leaves deeper into the woods, away from recreational areas.

And if neither of these options work for you, you can rake your pile into the least-used area of your yard, far away from seating, the grill or any kind of play structure.

Extra safety tips

If the leaf pile is just too enticing this fall season, I don't blame you — jumping in was a tradition in my house growing up. But, there are some simple things you can do to keep yourself safe:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants to cover as much skin as possible.
• Do a full examination of your clothing and your body when you come back inside.
• Check pets for any hitch-hiking ticks in their fur.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.

Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.