Tick, how to get rid of it in a garden plot? - briefly
Mow the vegetation frequently, treat the soil with an approved acaricide, and introduce biological controls such as entomopathogenic nematodes. Keep the plot tidy by removing leaf litter, reducing moisture, and trimming overgrown borders to deter tick habitation.
Tick, how to get rid of it in a garden plot? - in detail
Ticks thrive in moist, shady garden beds where leaf litter and tall grasses provide shelter. Effective control requires a combination of habitat modification, biological agents, and targeted chemical treatments.
Remove excess vegetation by mowing grass to a height of 3–4 inches and trimming hedges regularly. Clear fallen leaves, twigs, and plant debris each week to eliminate resting sites. Incorporate coarse mulches such as bark chips; their texture discourages tick movement compared to fine wood chips. Maintain soil moisture at moderate levels; avoid over‑watering, which creates favorable microclimates.
Introduce natural predators. Nematodes (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae) applied to the soil surface infect and kill ticks in their larval stage. Predatory insects such as ground beetles and spiders reduce tick populations indirectly by consuming hosts. Encourage birds by installing nesting boxes; many avian species feed on ticks.
Apply acaricides only where necessary. Use products containing permethrin or bifenthrin, following label instructions for dosage and re‑application intervals. Spot‑treat perimeter rows and shaded corners rather than the entire plot to limit environmental impact. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance buildup.
Protect humans and pets during garden work. Wear long sleeves, light‑colored clothing, and closed shoes. Perform a tick check after each session, removing any attached specimens with fine‑pointed tweezers. Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved tick collars or oral preventatives to reduce host availability.
Monitor effectiveness weekly. Place white‑paper traps in low‑lying areas to collect falling ticks; count specimens to gauge population trends. Adjust cultural practices, biological agents, or chemical applications based on observed changes.
A coordinated approach—habitat reduction, biological control, judicious pesticide use, and personal protection—provides sustained suppression of ticks in garden plots.