Hello Amy,

Thank you for reaching out to us. When it comes to ticks, a multi-layer/step approach is needed as no single thing can prevent ticks and/or tick bites. It is also important to note that we cannot prevent all ticks from our landscapes, as other animal carriers of ticks like deer and mice can freely move in and out of our greenspaces, but there are things we can do to reduce preferred tick habitat and/or be mindful of tick habitat while using other protective measures and regular body checks.

There is also no quick fix, as many products may try to sell us. 

Based on the scientific studies that have been done on tick tube-type management tools (permethrin-treated [a type of insecticide] cotton placed in cardboard applicator), there have been mixed results on their effectiveness in reducing tick infestations on rodents and reducing the total abundance of ticks in the treatment area. One study (Green et al., 2022), conducted in Pennsylvania, did suggest that mice may be more likely to use the treated cotton in the fall vs. the summer months, so tick tubes may be more effective when place out in August, September, or October (this coincides with mice breeding season and increased nest-building in the fall). More research is needed.

The permethrin fabric spray can be an effective way to treat clothing with an insecticide, and can be highly effective against tick bites. Permethrin-treated socks have been shown to be particularly effective in preventing tick bites. If you use a permethrin fabric spray or any insecticide/pesticide please be sure to read the entire chemical label and follow all directions and safety precautions. Never apply permethrin directly to your skin. Make sure you are spraying upwind of your clothes. If you get permethrin on your skin, wash it off immediately. Do not spray permethrin around cats, as it is extremely toxic to them and could lead to illness or even death. Penn State Extension has a great 5-minute video on treating clothes with Permethrin. 

Other than regular body checks and insect repellent, another thing we can do is identify potential tick hotspots in our landscape to either avoid these areas and/or to take preventive measure to protect yourself before entering these spots. Ticks tend to be found in wooded areas, tall grass or brush, the edges where woods and lawn meet (0-3 meter zone), in leaf litter, under ground-cover plants, and around stone walls and woodpiles where small mammals, particularly mice, may be. Some preventative measures include wearing or treating clothes with insect repellent, tucking tall socks into long pants, and checking yourself and/or pets for ticks after entering these areas.

Here are some credible resources on ways to reduce tick habitat by the University of Maine Extension and the University of Rhode Island:

• https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/management/landscape-management/
• https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/prevention/protect-your-yard/

TickEncounter, a program by the University of Rhode Island, is a great resource for up-to-date credible resources on ticks, like their top 5 actions for protecting yourself from ticks in your yard.

You're welcome!