Kevin from Toms River, Nj writes
Purchased home last year that backs into woods (about 20 acres or so) and we had a lot of ticks in the house, on dog and even a couple on us. What is the best way for me to control that on my own? Foggers, sprayers, etc. and what products do you recommend. We also have a decent amount of mosquitoes.
Permethrin SFR 36.8% is labeled for ticks in yards and it will offer some residual effects as well. The Permethrin SFR 36.8% product label recommends that you mix the product with a surfactant to help the product better stick to the foliage that you are spraying. Ticks may be reintroduced from surrounding areas on host animals. Retreatment may be necessary to achieve and/or maintain control during periods of high pest pressure. All of your pets should be treated with a product that is specifically labeled for use on pets for tick control. Permethrin can also be used as a flea/tick dip on dogs. We usually recommend using Talstar P for mosquito control and it can be used with an IGR such as Nyguard IGR to help sterilize the adults. The key is to apply to the underside of the leaves where the adults lay during the day. The Nyguard will also help with ticks as well. (Exciter is a pyrethrum which causes a faster kill but it is not an IGR). You can also help by creating a "tick safe zone" in your yard. You should have an area that is at least 9 ft wide between your yard and any wooded area. Trim back trees to allow as much sunlight as possible into your yard. Keep grass as short. Remove as much leaf litter as possible. A clearly defined, well manicured border between your yard and any wooded areas or weedy lots will reduce the chance of ticks infesting your yard. We also have guides here that can help on treating ticks and mosquitoes.
Answer last updated on: 02/27/2017
