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12-04-01-02-03 tick season plp
Tick Killer & Preventer
16 Results
Identifying Common Ticks & Associated Health Risks
The most common yard ticks in the U.S. are the deer tick (black-legged tick), American dog tick, lone star tick, and brown dog tick. Deer ticks are roughly the size of a sesame seed; American dog ticks are larger with white markings.
Each species poses different risks: deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, American dog ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and lone star ticks are linked to ehrlichiosis. Knowing which ticks are active in your region is the first step toward effective tick prevention.
Choosing the Right Tick Control Solution
The right format depends on your yard and level of tick pressure:
| Product Type | Best For | Reapply Every |
|---|---|---|
|
Ready-to-Spray (hose-end) |
Large lawns, landscapes, and home perimeter |
Follow label directions; varies with area of use |
|
Granular |
Established lawns |
Up to 3 months |
|
Concentrate |
Large properties |
Follow label directions; varies with area of use |
For active tick pressure in landscapes and near wooded edges, a tick spray for yard use delivers fast, broad coverage. For tick prevention in lawns where kids and pets play, granular tick control for lawn use provides reliable protection.
How & When to Apply Tick Treatments
Start early. Begin your tick treatment for yards in March or April, before tick nymph populations peak. Deer tick nymphs are the most common source of Lyme disease cases and are nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Application tips:
- Spray in the morning or evening when the wind is calm.
- Target lawn borders, leaf litter, and garden beds, not just open turf.
- Allow the area to dry fully before letting pets or children back outside.
Reapply your yard tick spray following label directions through fall for continuous protection during peak tick season.
Ongoing Yard Maintenance to Prevent Tick Activity
Consistent habits make tick prevention far more effective:
- Mow regularly. Ticks quest (climb to the tips of grass blades to latch onto passing hosts). Keeping lawns trimmed reduces their ability to quest and find a host.
- Clear leaf litter. Piles of leaves along wooded edges are prime tick territory; rake and remove them promptly.
- Store wood away from the house. Firewood piles can attract animals that carry ticks.
- Add a border barrier. A 3-foot strip of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas reduces tick movement.
- Treat the edges. Apply tick control along lawn borders, in shrub beds, and wooded transition zones, where ticks concentrate.
Pair these habits with a regular Ortho tick spray for yard schedule and you'll have the most complete approach to how to get rid of ticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tick killer for my yard?
Ortho Tick B-gon Tick Killer Ready-to-Spray is formulated for yards and kills ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, plus mosquitoes, fleas, and other listed insects.
How do I get rid of ticks in my yard fast?
Apply a ready-to-spray yard tick spray to lawn perimeters, leaf litter, and wooded transition areas. These areas are where tick populations are highest.
Is tick yard spray safe for dogs and children?
When used as directed, Ortho tick control products are safe for people and pets. Keep everyone out of the treated area until it is completely dry, and always follow label directions.
What kills ticks instantly?
No product kills ticks instantly. However, liquid tick control products like Ortho Tick B-gon Tick Killer Ready-to-Spray start working within minutes of contact, providing fast and effective control.
When is tick season and when should I start treating my yard?
Tick season runs from early spring through late fall, peaking in April-September. Start your first tick treatment for yards in March or early April. In areas of the U.S. where temperatures rarely drop below 40°F, ticks can remain active year-round, so regular treatment may be needed in all seasons.
How long does tick spray last?
Most Ortho yard tick spray formulas provide 4-6 weeks of residual protection; the residual protection varies with the area of use. Granular tick control for lawn use can last up to 3 months.
How do I know if my yard has ticks?
Look for shaded, moist areas with tall grass, leaf litter, or wooded edges. A light-colored cloth dragged through vegetation will reveal ticks that cling to it.
What is the difference between a tick repellent and a tick killer?
A repellent deters ticks from entering an area; a tick killer starts working on contact to control them. Pair an Ortho yard tick spray with a personal repellent for maximum protection.