Turn your yard into an unappealing place for these pests
There are lots ofbeneficial bugsthat visit your yard.
Unfortunately, ticks aren’t one of them.
What Are Ticks?
Iulian Mihailescu / 500px / Getty Images
Ticks are tiny, wingless, blood-sucking parasites.
Hundreds of tick species are found worldwide, with around 90 of those in North America.
Thankfully, not all of these species threaten humans, pets, or wildlife.
Iulian Mihailescu / 500px / Getty Images
What Attracts Ticks to Your Yard?
Some yards are more attractive to ticks due to certain conditions.
Rodents like mice and raccoons also draw parasites like ticks, which travel by attaching to them.
Keeping your yard free of these animals will help keep your yard free of ticks.
It’s not usually as simple as just spraying some pesticides.
Apply Pesticides
Spraying your yard with a tick pesticidecan effectively reduce tick populations.
When done correctly, studies show they can kill 68% to 100% of ticks present.
They have access to the right equipment and products and know how to apply pesticides safely and most effectively.
Some products can even be used only by licensed commercial applicators.
Try a bi-monthly treatment during active tick season and reapply after heavy rainfall.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe software.
Treat Tick Hosts
Another effective strategy is to treat common tick hosts, such as deer or mice.
There are various options, including the following:
4.
Use Nematodes
Beneficial entomopathogenic nematodesare a group of microscopic roundworms that kill off insects.
There are commercially available nematodes designed to target ticks through a spray software.
Foraging breeds, like the Rhode Island Red, are the most effective tick-hunters.
Although, you shouldn’t rely on these birds as your only precaution against ticks in your yard.
Ticks hate sunny, dry locations.
Yes, it’s very normal.
These prolific pests are easily carried in by passing wildlife, so new arrivals are inevitable.
