Ticks

One way to determine the extent and locations of tick presence on the property is to sample using a drag cloth. Use a white pillowcase or larger cloth, and simply drag it slowly along on the grass, and brush it up onto foliage within 1-3 feet of the ground. Stop occasionally to check the cloth for ticks (some may be very small and hard to see) and note infested locations on a diagram of the property as a guide to treatment areas.

Non-chemical tick management methods include: Mowing grass, removal of brushy areas, and fencing to keep deer away etc. This will also discourage alternative hosts such as rodents. Removal of clutter and debris on the property will also discourage rodent populations, as will removal of any nesting material left by rodents. Removal of bird nests in and around structures will reduce the number of ticks, especially of soft ticks. Fencing of yards and leash laws prevent dogs from straying into tick-infested fields, woods, and parks.

Items which must be stored out of doors should be stored 12-18 inches off the ground and away form the structure, thereby eliminating harborage sites.

Screening and sealing house entry points used by other tick hosts, such as squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, and bats, will also reduce tick problems in and around the home. Sealing cracks and crevices where ticks can hide, both inside and on the exterior of the home, will aid in management.

Residual sprays of several pyrethroids are labeled and generally quite effective for tick control. Not all materials, or all formulations, will be labeled for indoor use, so product labels should be read carefully,

Some dust formulations of these (Drione Dust), may be preferred if difficult to treat with spray. Dusts are also great in wall voids and attic spaces. Be careful to keep it away from any ventilation.

Infested pet bedding should be washed or disposed of and regular pet inspections and washing of pet bedding is strongly recommended.

Other areas to pay particular attention to include: baseboards, doorway and window casings, and edges of carpets.

All tick life stages can usually be found in cracks and crevices so treat very thoroughly.