Yards and residential areas

Integrated pest management uses multiple strategies to reduce a pest population as opposed to a singular strategy such as pesticide application. This may include pesticide application in the environment, specific landscape practices to reduce tick habitats such as mowing or management of invasive plant species, or management of host animals in the area.

Pesticide applications in the environment may reduce tick populations for a short period of time, but ticks can rapidly repopulate a space. Research has also shown that while pesticide applications in the environment may reduce tick populations, they do not decrease the chances of tick-borne disease in the space. Pesticides applied into the environment may also affect beneficial insect and arthropod species. 

Remember to read, follow, and understand the label on all pesticides. The label is the law.

Some helpful suggestions:

• The majority of ticks are found within 3 meters of the edge habitat between lawns and wild or forested areas. 
• Keep grass mowed. Remove brush, twig piles, leaves, and weeds at the edge of the lawn as this is all ideal tick habitat.
• Keep firewood and bird feeders away from the house.
• Monitor pet activity and keep dogs/cats out of the woods where they can pick up ticks and bring them home. Work with your veterinarian to protect your pets with the recommended tick protective products.
• Maintain a fence that excludes deer  and other wildlife from entering your area.
• Trim trees and bushes to increase sunlight in the yard. Address invasive plants species such as barberry and honeysuckle as increased tick populations have been associated with these invasive species.

Farm/agricultural land

Producers can encounter ticks when working with animals, making hay, or working on pastures as part of the many farm tasks. It is important that farmers follow the guidelines for staying tick-safe. Also understand that the machinery used to work on the farm can carry ticks to other parts of the farm or to other farms if shared.

Ticks can affect all species of livestock in Ohio. Make sure you don't accidentally or give them a free ride to your farm. Examine new stock closely for the presence of ticks, as well as examine borrowed or rented machinery to make sure they are tick-free before bringing them onto your farm. Have a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) in place so you can contact your veterinarian for tick-related guidance, especially with extra-label application of acaricides to livestock. 

Farmers and Ticks: What You Need to Know