- Ways to treat your yard for ticks<\/a>
- Create a tick-free border around your yard<\/a><\/li>
- Treat your pets<\/a>
- Spot-on treatments<\/a><\/li>
- Anti-tick shampoos<\/a><\/li>
- Tick collars<\/a><\/li>
- Tick tablets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Treat your yard<\/a><\/li>
- Broad-spectrum insecticide\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Tick tubes<\/a><\/li>
- Insect Growth Regulators\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How do you know you have a tick problem?<\/a>
- What does a tick look like?<\/a><\/li>
- How to check for ticks<\/a><\/li>
- What to do if you find a tick on you or your pet<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- What attracts ticks to your yard in the first place?<\/a><\/li>
- How to prevent ticks from coming back to your yard<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about best tick yard treatments<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Ways to treat your yard for ticks<\/span><\/h2>
There are many excellent options you can take to treat your yard for ticks, including broad-spectrum insecticides, tick tubes, and Insect Growth Regulators<\/strong>. For treatment to work, first, you need to take steps to prevent new ticks from entering your space by creating a tick-free border around your property and treating your pets. <\/p>
Create a tick-free border around your yard<\/span><\/h3>
Building a moat around your property might not be in the budget, but there are other ways to implement tick border control for your outdoor area. Approximately 80% of ticks stick to the outer 9 feet of a lawn<\/strong>. If you already have a tick problem, it\u2019s still important to ensure new adult ticks aren\u2019t making their way into your yard. Otherwise, all your hard work can be undone.<\/p>
Ticks don\u2019t travel far across exposed surfaces. Hedges, shrubs, and ornamental grasses at the edge of your backyard provide the perfect opportunity for ticks to latch onto you when you get home. Instead of brush, line your lawn with a 3-foot wide section of gravel, mulch, or well-trimmed turfgrass. Hardscaping elements like brick or stone pavers also discourage ticks from getting into your space.<\/p>
Once you\u2019ve created a solid border, the only way ticks will enter your property is by latching onto a host like you or your pets. Move any furniture, dog runs, and play areas<\/a> into the center of your yard and away from the shade. That way, you\u2019ll be less likely to pick up ticks while enjoying your outdoor living space.<\/p>
Treat your pets<\/span><\/h3>
![\"person](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/anti-tick-drops.jpg\")
victorass88<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Our furry roommates aren\u2019t so cute when they\u2019re bringing dangerous insects into the house. Why is treating your pets a key component of treating your yard? A single tick can produce as many as 5,000 eggs.<\/strong> It\u2019s important to eradicate all the ticks in your space and their kennel so your tick treatments last.<\/p>
Ask your vet about tick treatments first. A report from the Natural Resources Defense Council<\/a> found that some over-the-counter products, like tick collars, contain organophosphate compounds that have toxic effects on animals and people. Some of them mix active ingredients, which also can harm you. <\/p>
In addition to pet-safe pesticides, check your pet frequently by hand. If you walk your dog in wooded areas, you should check them daily. You don\u2019t necessarily need a special tick comb, but it\u2019s helpful if you want to keep your hands clean. A fine-toothed comb will do double duty as a flea finder, too. <\/p>
Spot-on treatments<\/span><\/h4>
There\u2019s nothing like the fragrance of a spot-on treatment (or spot treatment) to wake you up in the morning or the sound of your cat hissing as you try to apply it. They may be smelly, but they\u2019re veterinarians\u2019 preferred choice<\/a> for a reason. Unlike oral medicines, topical treatments can kill ticks before they bite.<\/p>
Pro Tip<\/strong>: Look for a product that\u2019s a tick repellent as well as a tick killer.<\/p>
Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2713 Easy and fast to administer<\/p>
\u2713 Usually don\u2019t need a prescription<\/p>
\u2713 Also provides flea protection<\/p>
\u2713 Doesn\u2019t need ticks to bite before killing them<\/p>
\u2713 Can repel ticks<\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 Have to remember to apply it monthly <\/p>
\u2717 Some aren\u2019t suitable for cats<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: The cost varies widely depending on brand and place of purchase, but they start as low as $7.80.<\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>Anti-tick shampoos<\/span><\/h4>
Special shampoos are available that kill ticks on contact. They\u2019re convenient if you know your pet has a tick and don\u2019t want to remove it while it\u2019s alive, but they don\u2019t offer lasting protection.<\/p>
Pros<\/strong>: <\/p>
\u2713 Doesn\u2019t need ticks to bite before killing them<\/p>
\u2713 Usually also kills fleas<\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 Only kills ticks that are on your pet at the time of application<\/p>
\u2717 Doesn\u2019t prevent ticks from landing on your pet<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: Cost varies widely depending on brand and place of purchase, but they start as low as $3.49.<\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>Tick collars<\/span><\/h4>
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tick-collar.jpg\")
AlexImages<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Tick collars are a popular choice for pet owners who don\u2019t want to deal with remembering to administer treatment. Some of them can last up to eight months. However, as mentioned above, some flea and tick collars contain chemicals that can be toxic to you and your pet.<\/p>
Pros<\/strong>: <\/p>
\u2713 No prescription required<\/p>
\u2713 Usually provides flea protection, too<\/p>
\u2713 Convenient for homeowners<\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 Not safe for dogs who swim or have other dogs chewing on their collar<\/p>
\u2717 Cost more than other treatments<\/p>
\u2717 Some products can be harmful<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: Cost varies by brand and where you purchase, but they start as low as $3.62.<\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>Tick tablets<\/span><\/h4>
Oral anti-tick medications are also available. Some pet owners prefer these to topical treatments because they may be easier to administer, but they only kill ticks once they bite (the mouthparts have to make contact with the pet\u2019s bloodstream). It\u2019s not guaranteed that oral tick products will kill all ticks soon enough to prevent disease.<\/p>
Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2713 Easy to administer for some squirmy pets<\/p>
\u2713 Some work as long as three months<\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 Requires ticks to bite before it can kill them, putting your pet at risk for tick-borne illnesses<\/p>
\u2717 You have to remember to administer them regularly<\/p>
\u2717 Requires a prescription<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: The cost varies by brand, where you purchase, and if you have pet insurance, but they start at $15.98.<\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmazon<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>Treat your yard<\/span><\/h3>
So you\u2019ve made a tick-free border, treated your pets, and now you\u2019re ready to kill the existing ticks in your yard. You have a few options: A broad-spectrum insecticide spray like permethrin or bifenthrin, tick tubes, neem oil, and botanical insecticides.<\/p>
Remember, don\u2019t apply pesticides near streams<\/a> or other bodies of water. They can kill aquatic life and pollute the water.<\/p>
Broad-spectrum insecticide <\/span><\/h3>
Broad-spectrum insecticides kill a number of different insects, including ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and fleas, among others<\/strong>. These tick yard sprays are the quickest way to get rid of pests, but the bug spray\u2019s harsh chemicals also can harm beneficial insects like bees and can be toxic to cats.<\/p>
The two main tick sprays used for residential tick control are permethrin and bifenthrin (also known as Talstar). Both are types of pyrethroid<\/a>, which is a synthetic version of chrysanthemum flower extract that kills ticks on contact. For your yard, you\u2019ll want to purchase liquid concentrate or a premixed solution that a garden hose attachment pump sprayer will spray. <\/p>
Both permethrin and bifenthrin are insect killers and function similarly. Permethrin has stronger \u201cknock-down\u201d power, meaning it kills more ticks at the time of application. Bifenthrin is more effective in the long term. Permethrin and bifenthrin kill insects by attacking their nervous system.<\/p>
Pros<\/strong>: <\/p>
\u2713 Also kills fleas and mosquitoes<\/p>
\u2713 Safe for dogs and humans<\/p>
\u2713 Guaranteed to cut down the tick population<\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 They also kill beneficial insects like bees<\/p>
\u2717 Can pollute water <\/p>
\u2717 Can be toxic to cats<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: $30-$60<\/p>
How to use a broad-spectrum insecticide<\/strong>:<\/p>
- To minimize the negative effects, only apply the insecticide to the perimeter<\/a> and tick-prone environments instead of the entire yard (the outer 9 feet of your lawn and shady areas).<\/li>
- Measure the square footage you\u2019ll be spraying by multiplying the length by the width of each section, then adding them together.
- For example, area A has a length of 3 feet and a width of 2 feet. 3 x 2 is 6 square feet.<\/li>
- Area B has a length of 6 feet and a width of 2 feet. 6 x 2 is 12 square feet. <\/li>
- Area A (6 square feet) + Area B (12 square feet) is 18 square feet in total. <\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Calculate how much product you need by multiplying the square footage you\u2019ll be spraying by the amount of product recommended for 1,000 square feet, then dividing by 1,000.
- Let\u2019s say you\u2019re spraying 100 square feet, and that 8 ounces of product covers 1,000 square feet.<\/li>
- 8 x 100 = 800<\/li>
- 800 divided by 1,000 = 0.8 ounces<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- If you\u2019re using concentrate, follow the instructions to calculate how many gallons of water you\u2019ll mix it with. For example, a popular concentrate is Permethrin SFR. Every 1.23 ounces of product should be mixed with 1 gallon of water. Multiply 1.23 by the number of ounces you need to get the number of gallons of water to use. <\/li>
- If it\u2019s less than 1 ounce, it\u2019s easier to use a 1-gallon pump sprayer. You can get these online or from home and garden stores.<\/li>
- If it\u2019s more than 1 ounce, use a hose-end sprayer. <\/li> <\/ul>
How to use a hose-end sprayer:<\/strong><\/p>
- Fill the reservoir with the proper amount of concentrate and water to the corresponding gallon mark. The gallon marks tell you how much water has been sprayed from your hose.<\/li>
- Connect the nozzle to your hose, making sure it\u2019s in the off position.<\/li>
- Make sure your water is turned off, and attach the reservoir to the nozzle.<\/li>
- Turn on the water and spray the areas. <\/li>
- Leaving the deflector on sprays the water downward. To get the undersides of the leaves, turn the deflector up so the water fans upward.<\/li>
- Continue spraying evenly until the water in the reservoir depletes.<\/li> <\/ul>
Reapply every three to four weeks for a couple of months. This will ensure all ticks are killed.<\/p>
Tick tubes<\/span><\/h3>
This handy-dandy, environmentally friendly product targets a common source of ticks: rodents. Instead of applying an insecticide across your yard that will kill beneficial insects, tick tubes only affect insects carried by mice, rats, and chipmunks.<\/p>
How do they work? The wooden tube contains cotton balls soaked in permethrin. Rodents pick up the cotton balls to make nests, and the permethrin treats their fur like a topical treatment for pets. <\/p>
How to use tick tubes:<\/p>
- Put on rubber gloves.<\/li>
- Spread out 12 tick tubes per every half-acre of property.<\/li>
- Place them in areas frequented by rodents: under bushes, under decks, along walls, and along your house\u2019s foundation.<\/li> <\/ul>
Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2713 Highly effective<\/p>
\u2713 Won\u2019t harm beneficial insects in your yard<\/p>
\u2713 Safe for people and pets<\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 Not safe for cats<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: <\/p>
$45-$100 per half-acre of land. We don\u2019t recommend DIYing this \u2014 you won\u2019t save a significant amount of money, and it\u2019s easy for homemade tick tubes to be dangerous or ineffective. Not to mention, you might be breaking the law.<\/a><\/p>
Insect Growth Regulators <\/span><\/h3>
Insect Growth Regulators, IGRs, are chemicals in some insecticides<\/a> and include anything that disrupts an insect\u2019s life cycle. Some prevent insects from growing new exoskeletons, others prevent pupa from becoming adult insects, and a few stop insects from laying eggs.<\/p>
There are many different types of IGRs. Because not all of them kill adult ticks, they\u2019re best used in conjunction with a broad-spectrum insecticide. If you use an IGR that prevents reproduction, it\u2019ll take months to get the population under control.<\/p>
Note on neem oil<\/strong>: Neem oil<\/a> is a great option for an IGR. It\u2019s a gardener\u2019s best friend. It\u2019s made from the naturally occurring oil derived from the neem tree. One of its ingredients, azadirachtin, makes it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs.<\/p>
How do IGRs work? <\/span><\/h5>
IGRs are like birth control for ticks<\/strong>. They mimic an insect\u2019s hormones and prevent them from moving into the next life stage or from reproducing. <\/p>
How to use IGRs<\/span><\/h5>
Different IGR products will require different application processes. For some, you\u2019ll follow the guidelines for applying a broad-spectrum insecticide. Others come with their own sprayers. <\/p>
In any case, identify the areas where you\u2019ll focus your application: shady, moist spaces around your yard\u2019s perimeter. For neem spray, apply it at dusk or dawn (it degrades in direct sunlight). <\/p>
Pros<\/strong>: <\/p>
\u2713 Safe for animals and humans<\/p>
\u2713 Less harmful to the environment than broad-spectrum insecticides <\/p>
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>
\u2717 Weak knockdown power. You won\u2019t see a change in population for at least a couple of weeks.<\/p>
Cost<\/strong>: <\/p>
Neem spray costs $10-$30. Other IGRs for tick regulation cost between $25 and $60. <\/p>
How do you know you have a tick problem?<\/span><\/h2>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rsz_3540532635_6ac930ef65_c.jpg\")
Tick | s p e x<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Identifying a tick problem<\/a> isn\u2019t easy. The primary thing you\u2019re looking for is the insects themselves, so you\u2019ll need to get acquainted with what they look like and their habits.<\/p>
What does a tick look like?<\/span><\/h3>
If you\u2019ve never seen one, ticks are wingless and have a flat, oval-shaped body<\/strong>. Nymphs and adults have eight legs and can be a grayish-white, brown, black, orange-brown, or yellowish color. <\/p>
There are various species in the United States, including the deer tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick, and Lone Star tick. They live in different parts of the country and carry different diseases.<\/p>
How big are ticks?<\/span><\/h4>
- Larvae are the size of a grain of sand<\/li>
- Nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed<\/li>
- Adults are the size of an apple seed (bigger if they\u2019re fed)<\/li> <\/ul>
How to check for ticks<\/span><\/h3>
Protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved<\/a>, light-colored clothing for yard work or when spending time outside, especially around the perimeter of your property. After, look for ticks on your clothing. This is best done in a bathtub where you can spot any ticks that fall off the fabric. Make sure to tuck your pant legs into socks to protect your legs.<\/p>
Check your pet for ticks by running your fingers through their coat against the direction it normally lays. Stop if you feel any small bumps or see a black spec on their skin. <\/p>
Areas where ticks commonly attach to pets:<\/p>
- Head and ears<\/li>
- Toes<\/li>
- Tail<\/li>
- Groin<\/li>
- Eyelids<\/li>
- Under the collar<\/li>
- Armpits <\/li> <\/ul>
Areas where ticks commonly attach to people:<\/p>
- Behind ears<\/li>
- Armpits<\/li>
- Scalp<\/li>
- Stomach<\/li>
- Toes<\/li> <\/ul>
What to do if you find a tick on you or your pet<\/span><\/h3>
If you or your pet get bit by a tick<\/a>, get a container ready to put the tick in. Ticks can get out of even tightly closed containers, so make it escape-proof by wrapping plastic wrap around the lid\u2019s edges. You\u2019ll want to keep it for testing if you or your animal shows signs of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.<\/p>
If you find a tick on your pet:<\/p>
- Grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. <\/li>
- Get as close to the skin as possible and grasp the tick with firm pressure, then slowly pull it away from the skin with steady pressure. <\/li>
- Check to make sure you completely removed the entire tick, then put it in the container. <\/li>
- Clean the area with an antiseptic, like rubbing alcohol. <\/li> <\/ul>
Monitor the site for signs of rash or infection. If you see either of these, call your vet or doctor. <\/p>
What attracts ticks to your yard in the first place?<\/span><\/h2>
Ticks are shy \u2014 they like their privacy. They prefer to hang out in places with plenty of coverage, shade, and moisture.<\/p>
You might think ticks live in trees because they\u2019re often found in your hair, but they don\u2019t travel more than a few feet in the air. Because they dry out easily, they stay close to the ground where there is more moisture. Once they\u2019ve latched onto your leg, they make their way up your body.<\/p>
Here are some places ticks like to live in your yard:<\/p>
- Tall grass<\/li>
- Shrubs<\/li>
- Groundcover<\/li>
- Fallen leaves<\/li>
- Under outdoor furniture<\/li> <\/ul>
How to prevent ticks from coming back to your yard<\/span><\/h2>
You definitely don\u2019t want ticks making an encore. After you\u2019ve controlled your tick infestation, make a few changes to your lawn care rotation to prevent ticks from ever coming back.<\/p>
- Keep your lawn trim. <\/li>
- Don\u2019t overwater. Adjust your watering schedule to the seasons, rainfall, and your soil type.<\/li>
- Clear debris like leaves, twigs, and grass clippings.<\/li>
- Dethatch your lawn annually.<\/li>
- Defend your home against rodents by sealing up holes and trash bins. <\/li>
- Discourage deer (which can carry ticks) with strong-smelling herb plants.<\/li>
- Professional pest control is also available for tick prevention.<\/li> <\/ul>
FAQ about best tick yard treatments<\/span><\/h2>
Can I use a natural tick treatment?<\/span><\/h3>
Yes, there are effective tick treatments made from natural ingredients, including insect-repellent sprays with essential oils, cedar oil, lemongrass, or peppermint oils. Typically, these natural methods can be purchased on Amazon or at a local home improvement store. They come in concentrated or ready-to-spray, so carefully check the label before making your purchase.<\/p>
You can also try at-home methods to keep ticks away, like a spray bottle with an apple cider vinegar mixture or sprinkling coffee grinds.<\/p>
Is DEET dangerous?<\/span><\/h3>
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports<\/a>, \u201cAccording to the CDC, DEET products used as directed, should not be harmful.\u201d However, like most home chemicals, including pesticides and herbicides, if DEET comes in contact with the skin, it\u2019ll likely cause irritation.<\/p>
DEET is a common chemical ingredient in insect repellents. While it\u2019s banned in some European countries, at this time, there is no conclusive evidence that DEET causes seizures or cancer.<\/p>
How long do tick treatments last?<\/span><\/h3>
The length of time a tick treatment lasts depends on the type of treatment.<\/p>
- Natural methods should be reapplied every four to six weeks. More often if it rains frequently.<\/li>
- Pesticide treatments last about three months.<\/li> <\/ul>
The level of tick infestation and how often your lawn is used should be considered when determining how often reapplication is necessary.<\/p>
Is hiring professional pest control worth it?<\/span><\/h2>
Hiring a professional pest control company is an added household expense, but it may make more sense to hire a professional than DIYing your pest control.<\/p>
- You won\u2019t have to buy pesticides or treatments<\/li>
- You save time not having to apply outdoor treatments<\/li>
- Won\u2019t need to keep track of when to reapply<\/li> <\/ul>
If you decide to hire a pest control professional to make your life easier, it can be a pain in the grass to find the right company. Thankfully, there\u2019s no need to stress because we\u2019ve done the research legwork for you. Love Love will connect you with an experienced, highly-rated, affordable local pro<\/a>, so you\u2019ll be back to hanging on your pest-free lawn in no time. <\/p>
- Measure the square footage you\u2019ll be spraying by multiplying the length by the width of each section, then adding them together.
- How to check for ticks<\/a><\/li>
- Anti-tick shampoos<\/a><\/li>
- Treat your pets<\/a>
- Create a tick-free border around your yard<\/a><\/li>