Can You Use Lime On Your Yard To Get Rid Of Fleas And Ticks? Our Pest Control Expert Weighs In
If you're looking for ways to get rid of fleas and ticks in your yard, you may find a lot of online discourse surrounding the best methods. Some tactics may advise you to use one strange ingredient: lime. However, how can you know what really works and what doesn't? Speaking exclusively to House Digest, operations manager for Orlando's Truly Nolen Pest Control Neal Killian helped cut through the noise and broke down if this common kitchen ingredient can eliminate these pesky creatures once and for all.
According to Killian, "Lime can be a means of eradicating fleas and ticks. Lime will dry out the exoskeleton of the insect and help with reducing the population." Lime probably won't completely get rid of ticks and fleas, although it can definitely be helpful. Think of it as working in harmony alongside other tactics. This raises the question: What else should you try to get fleas and ticks under control?
Utilize lime alongside other key methods
So, you have your lime and you're ready to go, but what other tricks can you use to resolve your flea and tick issue? "We would recommend an insecticide treatment on the lawn once every other month," said Neal Killian. "The reason lime is not an effective treatment for fleas is because it will not eradicate the eggs as part of the overall life cycle of the insect. Also, a fogging treatment is very effective as is a broadcast treatment with liquid insecticide." Killian noted that if homeowners have problems deploying an insecticide treatment themselves, they can always call a reputable pest management professional. However, one downside of insecticide is that it can have negative impacts on the environment and humans, so you should devote some time to examining various types of insecticide and discuss the matter with your professional before going ahead.
If you want to add some lime to your lawn, then sprinkle a small amount equally across the affected area and leave it to work its magic. For the best result, you should check your lawn for fleas and ticks regularly and repeat the process as you see necessary. Once you notice the fleas are gone, you can let your grass return to normal without the lime.
Make sure your soil can handle lime
Lime works by removing the moisture from flea and tick exoskeletons, and it functions in that way for many other insects it comes into contact with. However, lime can also have its downsides. Depending on your soil, you may find that it can have a negative impact on certain plants, so you should always double check that it's suitable for your yard before you proceed. If you're unsure how to do so, checking in with a professional for advice is never a bad idea. Likewise, overuse can starve your plants of the nutrients they need to thrive.
As a result of utilizing these methods, you should be able to resolve your tick and flea problem in your backyard in no time. You could even try combining this tactic with some gorgeous flowers to ward off pesky fleas. Just make sure to be patient and vigilant.