Brief Biology:

Ticks are parasites that need a host for their blood meal.  There are two well established families of ticks, the soft ticks and hard ticks.  Both are vectors of disease including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.  Some examples are Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever.  Once feeding occurs, they drop their eggs (usually 1,000) then die.  Life cycle can run from 1-3 years depending on climate.

Treatment Methods:

Non-chemical techniques used to decrease harborage locations and decrease hosts around structure of home. 

 keep weeds and grass cut short.  Removal of debris around a structure could decrease rodent population which could directly effect the tick population around the home.  Caulk and seal areas on the exterior of the home where they may gain entrace will help in tick reduction.  Your pets should be treated for ticks to prevent movement of ticks into the home.  Removal of vegitation around the home may decrease ticks abilities to latch onto host.  Once these tasks are accomplished, you may implement chemical use to decrease or eliminate tick populations.  Professionals use Liquid insecticides, Granules, Aerosols, and dust formulations to treat for tick infestations.  Treat tick harborage areas spraying the foilage and shrubbery up to 3 feet in height.  Try to treat both sides of the foilage.  Crack and Crevices, Baseboards, beneath furniture are areas that need to be treated to control for ticks. Indoor/Outdoor treatment is recommended.  Use of Dust formulations will give you long-term control in crack and crevice indoors.  Exterior you want to use liquid insecticides fan spray and granulars using a hand spreader.  Spray liquid insecticides around f oundation, window and door frames.  Read and Follow label instructions.