Tick Guide

Successfully eliminating a tick infestation requires treating the three main areas where ticks are commonly found: your pets, your home, and your yard. Begin by treating your pets, then move on to your home, and finally, your yard. Skipping any of these areas increases the likelihood of reinfestation.

Tick treatment methods are similar regardless of the tick species or type. Read our guide below for step-by-step instructions. Unsure if you’re dealing with ticks? Check out our guide on what ticks look like to confirm.

Since ticks commonly infest pets, starting with their treatment is essential. Select a tick treatment based on your pet’s species, age, weight, and overall health. Always read the product label and consult your veterinarian to ensure safe and effective use.

• Quick and easy to apply, pet tick drops are a low-stress option.
• Apply the product directly to your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades, to prevent licking.
• Ticks begin to die within 24 hours, though some may remain attached and need removal with tweezers.
• Reapply every 4-6 weeks as directed.

• Medicated flea and tick shampoos kill ticks on contact and offer immediate relief.
• Baths do not provide ongoing protection and only eliminate ticks present during the wash.

• Tick sprays provide a quick kill and short-term protection.
• Apply the spray evenly across your pet’s coat, rubbing it in for better coverage.

• Medicated collars, such as Seresto, provide up to 8 months of protection.
• Monthly oral medications prescribed by a veterinarian offer an additional layer of prevention.

If you’ve seen a tick inside your home, you need to act quickly to prevent a larger infestation. Depending on the severity, it can take weeks or months to fully eliminate ticks. A combination of liquid insecticides, aerosol sprays, and insecticide dusts is recommended, along with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to stop ticks from maturing and reproducing.

Indoor Tick Treatment Tips:

• Liquid Insecticides: Spray around door and window frames, baseboards, and cracks.
• Aerosols: Use on carpets, furniture, drapes, and pet bedding.
• Dusts: Apply in cracks, crevices, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Important Notes:

• Focus on areas where ticks may climb, such as furniture backs and arms.
• Always follow the product label for safe and effective use.

Reapply treatments as indicated on the product label until ticks are completely eliminated.

Outdoor tick infestations are a common source of reinfestation for pets and homes. A combination of a liquid insecticide and an IGR will kill adult ticks and prevent immature ticks from maturing, reducing the risk of reinfestation.

How to Treat Your Yard for Ticks:

1. Prepare Your Solution: Mix a liquid insecticide and an IGR with water in a sprayer. Follow the product label for the proper ratios.
2. Spray the Yard: Apply to the entire yard, including grass, bushes, tall brush, plants (including undersides), yard debris, mulch, and retaining walls.
3. Repeat Treatments: Reapply every 30 days during tick season for effective control.

Important Tips:

• Dense areas like bushes or tall grass require more water to ensure thorough coverage.
• Keep pets and children out of treated areas until the solution dries completely.

Outdoor treatments take time, so be patient. You should notice a reduction in ticks within a few weeks.