Non-chemical Control of Ticks
The most easily seen features on ticks are the spiracular plates that
enclose the outer aperture of the respiratory system. These plates are
well developed and big. Ticks feed only on the blood of vertebrates.
Hard ticks and soft ticks are the two main types. Hard ticks have the
capitulum, the part where the head and mouthparts are located, uncovered
and effortlessly visible from the top. The upper side of their body also
has a distinctly sclerotized shield or scutum. In soft ticks, the body
has a rather non-descript sack-like shape. The front part of the body
expands forward, above and past the bottom of the capitulum, so that the
capitulum is hidden when the tick is viewed from above.
 Importance Non-chemical tick managing measures should be put
into practice along with chemical control techniques. These non-chemical
control procedures will to a great extent trim down tick problems.
Keeping grass and weeds cut short in tick infested areas adds to the
difficulty of ticks during hot weather, puts off substitute hosts and
lessens the quantity of plant matter which may need a pesticide
application to kill ticks. Organic deposits Removing
discarded birds' nests in and around the property will reduce tick
numbers, especially of soft ticks. One should remember that before
removing a bird’s nest, one should check for eggs, babies or birds that
still rely on their parents for food; make sure there are no nest birds
which are too young to fly or otherwise survive away from the parents’
and nest. Inspecting and closing entry points, used by squirrels,
rodents etc, to houses and other structures also greatly diminish tick
problems in and around the home. Sealing nooks and crannies where ticks
can hide, will aid in tick management. Habitat Another vital
thing to remember while controlling ticks is to change the habitat. As
ticks cannot hop or fly to get to their host, they must climb onto items
such as tall vegetation, fences, etc. and wait for a prospective host to
go close by. The tick detect shadows, vibrations, exhaled carbon dioxide
or other host smells and then drops from their tall perch to fix
themselves to their host.
 Try a less bushy environment Tall vegetation not only gives
ticks easier right of entry to their next passing host, it also prevents
insecticide applications from giving you the thorough coverage that you
need. Pesticides that just "sit" on tall grasses, weeds and other
vegetation are easily ruined by sunlight. Many pests can become
conscious of the presence of an insecticide spray or dust and will
quickly hide on the bottom side of plant leaves. Treating both sides
of plant leaves will improve your control by as much as 60 percent.
Properties and fence rows that are overrun with weeds and tall grass
present superb habitat for tick carrying rodents and reptiles.
Vegetation that grows too tall will naturally go to seed, attracting
birds, rats, mice and other creatures that feed on seed. In summary,
tall vegetation will severely slow down your tick control.
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