Photo Album: Ticks Encroach on Homeowners Property in Marlboro, NJ

Recently, I went out on a service call for a homeowner in Marlboro, NJ who was having an issue with ticks in her backyard. Ticks are insects that quest from high brush areas and feed on blood. Most tick bites are harmless and don't need medical treatment, however, some ticks (like the deer tick and American dog tick) can carry harmful germs that cause diseases like Rockey Mountain spotted fever and Lymes Disease.

First: Survey the Property

Once I arrived, I began inspecting the property. This will help me identify the "tick zones" or areas where ticks and rodents may be abundant. A proper installation will yield strong results.

Ticks Love Shaded Areas

You'll primarily find ticks along the treeline, landscapes beds, high brush areas, and areas that are shaded where the ticks won't fry in the sun. Ticks can also encroach on a property within 10 feet from the wood line.

Best Treatment? Tick Boxes

After my inspection, I installed 12 tick boxes around the perimeter of the property. Tick boxes target the main host of Lymes disease, which are mice and chipmunks. Each unit is provided with enough materials to effectively attract and treat rodents for 90 days.

Placed Tick Boxes 30 Feet Apart

For an effective treatment, I placed the tick boxes approximately 30' apart. This increases the chance that the main hosts of Lymes disease are treated.

Into the Woods

Due to the fact that this property bordered the woods, I placed an additional row of tick boxes 30 feet back into the woods.

Population Control

As an added measure, I sprayed along the high foliage areas and along the tree line with a liquid application. Once ticks come in contact with this application, they'll be eliminated.