Professional tick control uses EPA-registered products and is applied by trained technicians according to label directions. It has been cleared for residential use, and plant-based options are available if you prefer them instead.
You might worry about letting your pets out after a tick control treatment. After all, the treatment is intended to get rid of pests. You might wonder if the very same product that makes that possible is a risk to your pet. That’s a good instinct, though you will be relieved to know that tick control treatments don’t have to make your yard hostile to pets.
First, the most important rule is simple. Stay out of the backyard until the treatment is dry. Once it’s dry, it binds to the foliage and keeps working for up to three weeks at a time. Drying time varies based on the weather, but it’s generally 30 minutes to 2 hours. Your technician can provide a better estimate if you’re not sure.
As for the products, they are registered with the EPA and cleared for residential use. That’s a high regulatory bar to clear. On top of that, the product is applied by a trained technician at the appropriate rate. Treatments are focused on the areas that ticks like to spend time like leaf litter and dense vegetation. Generally, the product won’t go on the open, sunny lawn where your dog likes to nap.
Having said all that, if chemicals make you uncomfortable, natural treatment is also an option. It’s based on essential oils and also helps protect your property from ticks and mosquitoes. It just needs to be reapplied a bit more frequently than conventional treatment—think every 14 days rather than every 21.
One last thing to remember: ticks are themselves a health concern. Dogs can catch Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Fewer ticks in the yard means fewer encounters and lowers the odds of that happening. It’s a good commonsense way to keep your pets in good health alongside using vet-prescribed preventatives.
If you are tired of ticks taking over your yard, Mosquito Squad of Southwest Michigan can help. Mosquito Squad offers traditional and natural treatment options. This can help you protect your pets and family with up to 90% reduction in pest activity on a recurring cycle.
