Holy cow. That’s a lot of work. (Yes, I want to get rid of the ticks.) The only thing separating the house from the ticks is a 6 foot wide wooden deck and stone path along the length of the back of the house. Will Permethrin poison the water supply or kill the flowers & plants? With so many trees, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with the leaves. If I stay on top of those, will that help some? We’ll have several hard freezes here in Fort Worth.
Leaves, brush, pine needles are great places for ticks to hide. They also provide a natural “blanket” to protect the ticks and their eggs in the winter time.
Yes, it is a lot of work, sorry - do it right or keep having ticks. I know of no other way that has been sucessful. Perhaps a local exterminator can offer advice.
I do not believe the Permthrin will poison the water supply but you would have to read the label. I have not experienced any killing of plants with Permthrin. I use this same procedure in Florida and in Colorado. Works in both places.
This procedure was developed to deal with sever infestation, like abandoned houses and barns. Nasty work but it does work. In locations that are not quite as bad, it has often totally removed the infestation.