Ticks are especially nasty insects because they suck blood, irritate skin, and carry diseases, some of which can be very serious, like Lyme disease. Fighting a tick infestation with insecticide can work well, but only if you keep your lawn and home free of tick attractions. If you don't provide good places for ticks to breed and live, your success with insecticide will be much better.

Ticks love to hang out in dark places, like deep in foliage or under piles of rocks or gravel. Try not to have a lot of things in your yard that lie around for a long time, creating an undisturbed nest. For instance, an overturned wheelbarrow will keep insects cool and shaded from the sun. Try to keep the wheelbarrow upright or move the wheelbarrow to a different spot every week so that no permanent nest forms.

This is just an example of the many ways you can help to combat insect infestations. Piles of wood or lumber can also provide good hiding places, as can dense foliage and tall grass. Keeping your yard maintained will do more than keep up appearances. It will keep bug infestations to a minimum and will make your insecticide treatments more effective.

Protecting Yourself

If you're using an insecticide, remember to make sure no pets or children are around. Walk backwards while spraying the insecticide so that you're walking away from the spray and walk into the wind so that the spray is being blown away from you. Wear a surgeons mask or a bandanna around your nose and mouth and always shower after spreading insecticide.