If you have discovered ticks in your yard, your first priority is probably to get rid of them. Not only are they unpleasant to look at, but they are also carriers of various diseases such as Lyme disease, tularemia and others. Did you know that almost 75% of Lyme disease cases are due to a tick bite in your yard? Luckily, there are effective ways to get rid of ticks in your garden without turning it into a war zone.
How can you identify ticks in the garden?
Many people think of ticks as insects, but they are actually arachnids - the same family as scorpions, mites and spiders. The different species of ticks can be gray, white, brown, black, reddish-brown or even yellow in color. Adult parasites have flat, oval, wingless bodies. When they eat a blood meal, their body swells and becomes round like a kernel of corn.
While nymphs and adult bloodsuckers have eight legs, tick larvae only have six. As larvae they are about the size of a grain of sand. The blood-sucking parasites can sting people and animals at all stages of their life cycle.
Worth knowing:Nymphs are responsible for approximately 98% of all tick bites. Nymph activity and tick disease transmission typically peaks from May to July.
Where do ticks live in the garden:All tick species love darkness and moisture. Their preferred hiding places are areas with tall grass, moist soil and plenty of shade. When your yard is mowed, the blood-sucking parasites can still settle in outdoor areas, where they can find low-hanging shrubs or ground cover for shelter.
How to determine that there are bloodsuckers in the garden area:Luckily, there are a few easy ways to find out if you have ticks in your yard.
- Pulling out a tick:Take a light-colored sheet or towel and walk it around the garden. Then carry the cloth to a grass-free area, e.g. B. in the driveway and examine it carefully for ticks. If you find any, place them in a sealed bag and destroy them.
- Check your pets:Run your fingers through their fur, using gentle pressure to check for lumps. The pest will look like a hard, small mass.
Home remedies for ticks in the garden
Nobody wants the blood-sucking pests in their garden, but how do you get rid of them? Fortunately, there are many effective natural home remedies that are safe for dogs and other pets and effectively ward off parasites. Here are our recommendations:
Cedar oil spray:Cedar oil is a natural, non-toxic and effective tick repellent. If you go hiking, you can spray it directly on your skin or clothing. It is safe for people and pets.
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You can purchase cedar oil tick spray at most home and garden stores, but you can also make your own by adding 60 drops of cedarwood essential oil to a dark spray bottle filled with water and 1 ounce of grain alcohol. Shake the mixture well and spray anywhere you notice tick activity.
Eucalyptus or neem oil:Both eucalyptus and neem oil kill the blood-sucking parasites on contact. To use these essential oils for tick control, add 4 ounces of purified water to a spray bottle along with 30 drops of a carrier oil of your choice. Shake well and spray wherever you want to kill ticks.
How you can make your own mosquito sprayfind out here!
Natural remedies againstTicks in the garden– Diatomaceous earth:This is a powder made from fossilized diatoms and is one of the most effective ways to get rid of pests organically. Although diatomaceous earth is completely safe for children, pets and people, it is dangerous for pests.
When ticks come into contact with it, it dries out immediately and kills them within a few hours. Simply spray wherever you found the blood-sucking parasites in your garden. Reapply diatomaceous earth every few weeks or after heavy rains.
Effective conventional methods for tick control
What else helps against ticks in the garden –If you want to proceed with a heavy hand, you should try these conventional methods:
Use a fogger:If you want a way to kill blood-sucking parasites instantly, you can use a garden fogger. For best results, use one that contains an insecticide specifically designed for ticks, as this works fastest and most efficiently.
Permethrin-Spray:Among pesticides, permethrin is one of the most effective means of killing ticks. For best results, choose a permethrin insecticide spray that is safe to use on the surfaces and plants you want to control. Read the product label carefully and wear protective clothing when applying.
Acarizides:This is a family of tick control products that can reduce the number of pests in your garden. Alone they cannot fight the bloodsuckers, but in combination with other methods of tick control they can be effective.
Because acaricides can be dangerous and highly toxic, we recommend working with a professional pest controller to apply the pesticides to protect children, pets and other animals.
Tips for preventing tickscan be found here!
