If you’ve ever had a tick bite or know someone who has, you’re well aware of the complications this tiny insect can cause. The possibility of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, makes tick prevention and control a priority for many households.
One method often considered is spraying the yard for ticks. But does spraying for ticks really work? In this blog, we’ll discuss the effectiveness of tick yard treatments, how to treat a yard properly, and why hiring a professional may be the better option.
Can You Spray for Ticks Yourself?
Many hardware stores sell products specifically for targeting tick infestations in lawns. So, the simple answer to “Can you spray for ticks?” is yes. However, it is essential to remember that a DIY approach to tick control is unlikely to be completely effective. At best, it’s a temporary solution for minor infestations in small areas. Here are some reasons why:
Limited Control
Store-bought sprays might reduce the tick population, especially if the infestation is mild. However, complete eradication is difficult to achieve with these products.
Short-term Solution
DIY sprays often have a shorter lifespan than professional treatments. You will likely need to re-apply frequently to maintain protection.
Targeted Application Challenges
Reaching all the hiding spots where ticks live can be tricky. Professionals have the knowledge and proper tools for targeted treatments.
Safety Concerns
Many DIY tick control products contain pesticides that can be harmful if not handled properly. Professionals are trained in safe application techniques to minimize risks to themselves and others.
Accidental exposure
If not done carefully, DIY application can lead to unintentional exposure to you, your family, pets, or beneficial insects.
Frequent Treatments
Spraying must be done periodically to disrupt ticks’ life cycles. Doing this on your own is laborious and time-consuming.
Spraying for Ticks: DIY Approaches That Work
The key to repelling ticks is to make your yard an inhospitable environment for them and the animals that carry them. For instance, if your yard is infested with deer ticks, you should consider putting measures in place to deter deer from entering your yard. These include:
- Putting up deer fencing
- Using deer-repellent products
- Planting deer-resistant plants like foxglove, French marigold, and rosemary
Other ways to help prevent and control ticks include:
- Installing a barrier between your lawn and a wooded area
- Moving grass regularly
- Removing leaf litter
- Keeping your yard free from trash and old furniture, as these could house ticks
- Clearing tall grasses and brush
How to Treat Your Yard for Ticks: A Professional Approach
If your yard is infested with ticks, hiring a reliable lawn pest control service is the best course of action. Besides having the training, commercial-grade products, and equipment needed for long-lasting tick control, Blades of Green offers a unique 4-point Tick Control Program designed to provide comprehensive protection against tick populations. Developed by an associate-certified entomologist on our staff, this program also addresses mosquitoes and fleas.
- One of our trusted advisors will first inspect your property to identify tick breeding grounds.
- We will apply treatment to places where water collects, as ticks use these as hatching grounds.
- We use special heat- and water-resistant products to repel ticks all season long.
- We apply an Insect Growth Regulator to disrupt the life cycle of ticks.
Tick control requires a multi-step approach, including initial treatment, follow-up applications, and preventative measures. We can create a customized plan to address your needs and ensure long-term tick control.
Other reasons to opt for professional tick control services include:
Safety
Commercial-grade pesticides can be dangerous if not handled properly. We are trained in safe application methods, minimizing the risk of exposure to you, your family, and your pets.
Save Time and Effort
Tick control can be a time-consuming task. Hiring us allows you to enjoy a pest-free lawn without the hassle.
Comprehensive Approach
Tick control often combines chemical treatments with additional measures like habitat modification and wildlife exclusion. A professional pest control expert can help identify and execute these extra steps for long-lasting tick control.
Cost-effective Long-term Solution
While DIY tick treatments might seem cheaper, a professional’s expertise and specialized equipment are often more cost-effective in the long run. Further, a specialist’s treatments are more likely to be successful, reducing the chances of requiring repeated attempts.
Combat Tick Infestations With the Help of Experts
Blades of Green offers a holistic approach to tick control and prevention, using various proven methods for the best possible results. Our pest control program includes multiple annual inspections, addressing existing issues and adjusting your property’s conditions to make it inhospitable to ticks and other pets.
Learn more about our tick control services, and contact us today for a free quote.