Best Management Practices:

Ticks

Tick elimination is a combination of both pesticides and Integrated Pest Control Management (IPM) methods in and around the home.  An important and main part of effective IPM is Habitat change.  Keeping grass and weeds cut short, removing abandoned bird nest, clutter and debris, especially during warm weather, will greatly decrease not only populations of ticks, fleas, rodents, reptiles, roaches and other pests but will decrease the amount of pesticide needed to perform control.   
 
A power sprayer or Gilmour Airmatc Hose End Sprayer will allow a thorough and complete treatment with pesticide concentrates like UP-Cyde Pro, Cynoff EC, Demon Max, ExciteR, and Prelude for your yard and exterior buildings and landscape areas.  This task may also be performed with a Spray Doc 1 Gallon or ECHO MS-4 Sprayer or ECHO MS-40 Sprayer.  In addition, this also makes a great yard spray for a variety of pest and acts as a perimeter treatment barrier when sprayed on yard, exterior buildings sidings, walkways and driveways.

Another effective control for lawns and turf are the Insect Granules such as DeltaGard G Granular, and Talstar PL Granular or Talstar EZ Granular.  These products are easy to use, give good coverage and can be broadcast with a lawn spreader.  These products do require “watering in” and are not adversely affected by rain. 

Regular pet grooming and examination of your pets in addition to frequent cleaning of their bedding is necessary.  Infested pet bedding should be carefully washed or disposed of.  The area around the pet bed should be carefully and thoroughly treated with an approved dust or spray like Petcor Flea Spray IGR.  Petcor Flea Spray IGR is ready to use and kills adult ticks and fleas and provides up to two months residual. 

Areas inside the house may be treated in a variety of manners with a verity of pesticides.  These areas should be thoroughly vacuumed and clear of clutter prior to treatment.  Place used vacuum bag in a closed container outside. Tick treatment is a little different from normal pest control, as it will include the carpets, drapes, and furniture and floor area by direct treatment, fogger or mister. Aerosols are an effective ready to use treatments and some excellent products are aerosol sprays like Nylar Carpet Spray, Precor 2000 Plus, Ultracide IGR or Pro Control Plus Fogger. Effected indoor areas may also be sprayed with some of the concentrates labeled for indoor use and on carpets and fabrics.  Some of the products that have shown great results in control are Cyronara 9.7,  Demand CS Insecticide, Demon WP, Demon Max Insecticide, Suspend SC Insecticide,  Up-Cyde Pro 2.0 EC and Talstar One Insecticide. These may be used for spot treatment, general treatment and crack and crevice treatment. 

Caution should always be used to use all products in accordance with the label provided for that product for effective and safe control.  Care must be used when using near water life or birds.

Best Management Practices courtesy of:   

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC     P.O. Box 664      San Angelo, Texas 76902     Ph. 325-653-1300