BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 25, 2023
In many regions of the country, disease-ridden ticks are a major concern, serious enough to convince some people to douse their lawns with pesticides and chemically treat their outdoor clothing. Yet many people are opposed to introducing synthetic chemicals into the environment, even to combat a particularly dangerous pest.
• Exclude tick hosts: Fence in highly used outdoor areas so that some of the animals that carry ticks, such as deer, can’t enter.
• Natural tick repellent: Oil of pondberry, citronella, cloves and lily of the valley, Lemon eucalyptus may help.
• Can farm birds help? Free-range chickens and other domesticated fowl such as guinea hens and turkeys naturally eat ticks and other lawn pests, but whether this can have any significant impact is a matter of debate.
• Personal protection is key: Stay vigilant while outside, wearing long pants tucked into socks, develop a habit of checking your body and clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors.