I'm looking for the least toxic insecticide I can use on my lawn to prevent ticks. Is there anything that isn't toxic to humans, birds, or beneficial insects (e.g. lady bugs)? Maybe even something organic?
I called one of my local hardware stores, and all they carry is Durzban (chlorpyrifos), which I have found out is being phased out for residential use by the EPA. My other local hardware store only sells Sevin (carbaryl), which is apparently widely known (including admittance by Union Carbide) to kill "beneficials" including ladybugs & honeybees. It has even been accused of being linked with spina bifida & hydrocephalus… I'd almost rather take my chances with lyme desease…
So, bottom line:
Is there a fairly safe lawn insecticide I can use to prevent ticks on my (large) lawn?
If you are in a rural area, buy yourself some guinea chicks. They love to eat small bugs like ticks (but they can be quite a nuisance themselves). Otherwise, I'd live with the ticks. We understand the dangers of lyme disease, but who really knows the hazards of chemical insecticides? Wear avon skin-so-soft as tick repellant and check yourself regularly.
pymithrin is better than dursban but both are toxic. not near as toxic is "Sevin"….by the way, dont get into the dream world of a tree-hugger. insecticides have helped feed millions and and saved millions of lives.
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OK
REAL WORLD SOLUTION…
your research is correct. Dursban is gone from many states.
Sevin is non selctive in its killing.
As far as non-toxic that works, it wont be found.
I sell a professional product named Tempo. Many Lawncare companies use this as a Flea/tick spray for lawns etc.
The active ingredient in tempo is made by BAyer. I believe it is Cyfluthrin. It is pretty low active ingredient per acre. Doesnt smell nearly as bad as dursban, and wont kill certain benificials and organisms.
Ive seen it Retail stores under the Bayer Advanced brand for the homeowner. Granules, or Liquid concentrate. You wont see the Professional name Tempo, but look for the active ingredient Cyfluthrin. Newer insecticides are at such low doses with newer chemistry, that it isnt like the good ole' Dursban, diazanon, Chloradane days….
Always water Insecticeds in.It gets them off the lawn and where the need to be. Also some actually break down in sunlight if not watered for a few days resulting in less effective results..
Hope it helps and saves money on useless products..
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If you are in a rural area, buy yourself some guinea chicks. They love to eat small bugs like ticks (but they can be quite a nuisance themselves). Otherwise, I'd live with the ticks. We understand the dangers of lyme disease, but who really knows the hazards of chemical insecticides? Wear avon skin-so-soft as tick repellant and check yourself regularly.
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We use a product called Seven (spelling may not be accurate) You can purchase in a spray form or granulated form. It works well and has never harmed me or my dogs.
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gecko knows what he is talking about and saved me alot of typing. bayer advanced lawn insecticide is fantastic and will last almost all summer. there are no "selective" insecticides that will spare ladybugs, honeybees, etc. we're just not that good yet. the active ingredient in the bayer product, cyfluthrin, is very safe. once it has dried children and pets can enjoy the yard as if you never sprayed it. it works great, can be purchased in a bottle that you just hook up to your hose and spray without measuring, and beats kids and pets covered with ticks!
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There is a product called Diatect Results Flea and Tick Killer. It is a natural product and has no known detrimental effects on children or pets. The ingredients are as follows:
Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins (African Daisy extract), Diatomaceous Earth (silicon dioxide), Piperonyl Butoxide (synthetic sassafras oil)
In case your lawn and garden store does not carry this brand, I located it on the web.
http://www.diatectresults.com/flandtiki.html
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try sulpher as a dust and apply to grass with dust sprayer. re do it if it rains
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TC master gardeners association looki at website TCMGA.org