What is the correct height to cut grass to?

Yes, cutting it too short only promotes weed sprouting and growth. Planting the right kind of grass to begin with also helps.
Ticks aren't gonna be in the middle of most lawns, like mosquitos they like shade and damp spots. They like the woods, I think the estimate is you won't find them much beyond ten feet from the perimeter of your lawn. Course those of us with small lawns will need to plant grass that likes to be cut short or just say f*ck it I don't care if the lawn stays green in the Summer. If you want really short cut lawn find out what your local putting green plants. They also have specific soil conditions but they'll know what is best for where you are.

 

IME ticks don’t like cut grass but if you have deer, moose and bears in your yard you got ticks too..

 

Last year I thought I was in a "safe" spot reading; in front of the shed (faces south so in full sun - and it was hot) where I place a chair on the gravel/rock that covers the base - the base extends at least 7' from the shed. I felt something and there was a tick running up my leg. Then I looked in the rocks and there were more ticks coming. It is 20' to the woodline on the east side side and the shrub garden to the north (the S&W are yard). IDK, maybe they make them different around here.

I saw a PSA from various sources within the last couple of weeks that said a lot of the things we have been taught about ticks is not true (or maybe no longer true). It could be there is a changed behavior from various reasons.

I do have ground hogs and bear that come thru my yard (along with the usual birds, squirrels and chipmunks).

 

Yup, began by considering the mower attached bagger system. $500 and it looks like there is a permanently attached plate to accommodate the bagger that would have to be removed each time I want to pull a trailer or wood splitter with the rider. In addition, different blades (greater $$) are recommended for the use with a bagger.

The sweeper is half price.

Yes, I live rural with a very large lawn that doesn't matter much to me if there are grass clippings after I mow. 99 lbs has a different view. I was considering a clipping retrieval system whether it is a bagger or sweeper just to save her from being out there raking up the clippings.
The easiest way to prevent the clippings is to mow more frequently.

 

How to Make Tick Tubes for Natural Tick Control

 

I cut at 3" per the settings on my Kubota mower.