Professionals use a variety of methods for tick control. These methods include environmental management, chemical sprays or dusts, biological predators and insect growth regulators.
Environmental management includes regular lawn mowing and other vegetation management techniques to reduce the amount of favourable habitats available to ticks. Keeping outdoor areas free of stored items like wood, stones and leaf litter can also help to limit tick harbourage.
Chemical treatments such as sprays or dusts are often used by professionals to quickly reduce large numbers of ticks in a given area. Care must be taken when using these chemicals however, as application should be made only where pests have been observed and correct rates for the species being treated should always be followed.
Professional pest managers may also introduce natural predators such as certain species of fungi or nematodes that feed on many common tick species. The effectiveness of these biological controls vary between different tick species and climates, so professional advice should always be sought before introducing any organism for suppressive action against ticks.
In some cases, insect growth regulators (IGRs) may be used in combination with the above methods to provide more long-lasting control against tick populations. IGRs work by preventing reproductive development within the target species and can make it much harder for adult ticks to reproduce offspring, leading to an overall decrease in population size over time.
Pesticide sprays and liquids
Pesticide sprays and liquids are one of the most popular methods used by professionals for tick control. These solutions contain insecticides like permethrin, cypermethrin and deltamethrin that kill ticks on contact. Pesticides should be applied correctly with a special sprayer to ensure uniform coverage and maximum effectiveness.
As part of your tick control program, it’s important to make sure that the chemical seresto flea collars treatments aren’t applied too often as this can lead to environmental damage. It’s also essential to ensure that any areas contaminated with pesticide are adequately ventilated before permitting entry by humans or pets. Finally, check the label on your chosen product for information regarding how long you need to wait before re-entering treated areas/
In addition, many treatments also contain an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) which helps to prevent larvae from developing into adult ticks, thus reducing their numbers even further.
Granular insecticides
Granular insecticide is a popular option among professionals looking to control ticks. It is applied as a dry powder or granules in areas where tick activity takes place, such as around the foundation of your home or any other grassy area near your home. Granular insecticides are common because they can provide long-term protection against ticks. The powder will stick to vegetation where it is then triggered by moisture from rain or dew , and continues to kill ticks for up to three months!
Granular insecticides have the ability to kill ticks on contact, making them a great tool against external parasites like fleas and ticks. They should be applied according to the label instructions and re-applied as needed. Professionals may also recommend applying natural deterrent materials in addition to granular insecticides for increased effectiveness at tick prevention .
Biological tick controls
Biological tick control is an effective, environmentally sound method for reducing tick populations. This form of pest control uses natural predators or pathogens to reduce the number of ticks on your property. Natural predators that can be used to help control ticks include birds like hawks and owls, as well as lizards and snakes.
Pathogens that can be used include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces toxins that are harmful to certain insects but harmless to humans, pets and other organisms. Spinosad is another bacterial toxin that can be sprayed on plants and animals to kill off larvae and adult ticks. It’s important to note that while these biocontrols are safe for wildlife, they usually don’t produce long-lasting results so must be repeated regularly.
In the end
Proper tick control for your property depends on an accurate assessment of the size of the infestation and the type of properties at play; professional help may be needed to ensure effective prevention. The right approach will depend on several factors including climate, geographical location, species and life stage of ticks present in the environment.