Keeping grass and weeds cut short in tick infested areas increases tick desiccation during hot weather, discourages alternative hosts and lessens the amount of plant material which may need a pesticide application to kill ticks. Removal of birds' nests in and around the property will reduce tick numbers, especially of soft ticks . Removal of clutter and debris on the property will also discourage rodent populations. You should also remove nesting material left by rodents. Sealing cracks and crevices where ticks can hide, both inside and on the exterior of your home, will aid in tick management.
Habitat change is very important in tick control.
Tall vegetation not only gives ticks easier access to their next passing host but also prevents insecticide applications from giving you the thorough coverage that you need. During the peak of tick season, you should limit your dog's access to these areas. The only tick collar that we have seen work consistently is the Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs . You could also use Frontline Topspot as a topical treatment or spray your dog with a solution made from Permethrin-10 if your dog is exposed to areas suspected to be tick infested. Infested pet bedding should be carefully washed or disposed of.