We haven’t been able to catch our county extension agent in the office. Can anyone here tell us how to control ticks and vegetable garden pests without harming the lizards? Thank you in advance for input.
Ticks need moisture to survive. The don't like short grass and they hate rocks used as mulch. Keep a wide area (3 feet)around your beds as rock. A ticks primary vector is the mouse. Make the area inhospitable for mice and that should reduce the issue. Also attracting toads and frogs could help reduce bad bugs in general.
For your protection I would suggest that you get some pyrethrum. Dedicate a pair of pants, socks, and shoes for gardening. Spray those clothes heavily with the pyrethrum. Let them dry. Wear those clothes to garden. The ticks touch the clothes and more or less die on the spot. Good for about three washings.