What to do about ticks and fleas in yards
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EmailEditor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.
With our spring mosquitoes on the decline, now may be a good time to write about controlling ticks and fleas in home yards. Both of these blood sucking parasites can be a nuisance in yards and several people have asked about using insecticides to reduce their numbers. Sprays containing carbaryl (sold as Sevin) or permethrin will kill both fleas and ticks. Permethrin has the added advantage of acting as a repellent. Before treating a yard with either of these products, all kid and dog toys should be collected and removed from the yard as a safety precaution. Kids and pets should not be allowed back into a treated yard for at least two days after treatment. Many lawn care providers offer this service to clients who do not want to tackle this job themselves. For those that do, be sure to read and follow all instructions and safety precautions found on the label before using any pesticide.
