What to use against ticks? - briefly
Use EPA‑registered acaricides (e.g., permethrin) on clothing and DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 repellents on skin, and remove any attached ticks promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers.
What to use against ticks? - in detail
Ticks pose a health risk to humans and animals; preventing attachment and eliminating existing specimens require a combination of personal protection, chemical agents, and environmental management.
Personal protection relies on barrier methods and repellents. Wear light-colored, tightly woven garments that cover as much skin as possible. Apply a topical repellent containing 20–30 % DEET, 10 % picaridin, or 0.5 % permethrin directly to clothing. Permethrin-treated clothing retains efficacy after multiple washes, while DEDE or picaridin protect exposed skin for several hours. Reapply repellents according to label instructions, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
Chemical control options include:
- Synthetic acaricides: Products with active ingredients such as bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, or permethrin applied to yard perimeters and high‑traffic zones. Follow label dosages; avoid over‑application that may harm non‑target organisms.
- Biological agents: Formulations containing Metarhizium anisopliae or Beauveria bassiana spores target tick larvae and nymphs without chemical residues. Apply during early spring when populations are emerging.
- Tick‑killing sprays: Aerosol or liquid concentrates for immediate treatment of vegetation where ticks quest. Use only on low‑lying foliage to minimize exposure to pollinators.
Environmental measures reduce habitat suitability:
- Trim grass to a maximum height of 2–3 inches.
- Remove leaf litter, brush, and tall shrubs around homes and animal shelters.
- Create a 3‑foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawn and wooded area to discourage migration.
- Install fencing to keep wildlife hosts, such as deer, away from residential zones.
Pet protection requires dedicated products. Administer oral acaricides containing afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner according to veterinary guidance. Apply spot‑on formulations with permethrin (for dogs only) or fipronil to the dorsal neck region. Regularly inspect pets for attached ticks and remove them promptly.
Tick removal should be performed with fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the mouthparts. Clean the bite area with antiseptic; preserve the specimen for identification if disease monitoring is required.
Combining personal repellents, targeted acaricide applications, habitat modification, and veterinary care provides comprehensive protection against tick exposure. Regular monitoring and adherence to product specifications maintain effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.