Over the course of a week in the spring and summer, we perform hundreds of tick treatments in Massachusetts. One of our goals, in addition to reducing pest pressure, is to educate our customers on tick biology and behavior, as well as how to properly treat for ticks in Massachusetts. Although we don't recommend you self treat, we do want you to understand the method of control we execute at Burgess Pest Management. 

One of the most common misconceptions about how to properly treat for ticks in Massachusetts is to apply a pesticide to your lawn. The industry standard, supported by independent researchers, does not recommend treating your lawn for ticks. 

Instead, using high pressure equipment to create a residual barrier in the surrounding brush is the most effective method of control. If ticks are in your lawn, it's because they've infiltrated it by moving from your surrounding brush along the perimeter of your property. At Burgess, our tick team uses 200 gallon hydraulic sprayers to apply natural and low impact products. 

There generally is not enough moisture for ticks to survive for long periods of time on your lawn; especially if it's been treated with a fertilizer. Ticks prefer to move in natural brush,wooded areas, and shady spots with dense leaf litter and tree canopy.

If you're able to remove the conditions that support tick life, you're doing a great job of eliminating a "high risk zone" on your property. Properly treating for ticks in Massachusetts takes a comprehensive approach and transparent communication between the homeowner, and your pest management firm, like Burgess.