Tick Talk: Best Practices for Tick Control

Let’s Talk Ticks!

Ticks pose a serious threat to herd health, causing stress, blood loss, disease transmission, and weight loss that directly hurt an operation’s bottom line. In most regions, tick activity peaks from April to September when warmer temperatures and moisture accelerate their life cycles. While both beef and dairy herds are vulnerable to infestations, treatment options can vary. For example, pour-on chemical controls are generally labeled only for beef cattle due to milk residue and withdrawal restrictions in dairy operations.

Because of these restrictions and operational differences, cattle producers must evaluate tick control methods based on what is realistic for their specific setup. Most Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans for ticks rely heavily on chemical control, as non-chemical preventative methods are not always achievable on pasture. The right approach balances practical prevention methods with careful product selection, proper application, and label-directed retreatment suited to the type of cattle being raised.

Application Methods Matter

When it comes to controlling ticks, application method matters just as much as the products used.

High-Pressure, Coarse Spray

A high-pressure, coarse spray is the most effective treatment option. This method thoroughly wets the animal’s skin, rather than only covering the hair, which is critical for effective application. A high-pressure, coarse spray gives you the best opportunity to treat the entire animal, avoiding only the areas that are specifically restricted on the product label. Always read label directions prior to application.

Fogging Isn’t the Answer

Effective on-animal tick treatment requires the product to reach and wet the skin. Fogging does not provide the coverage needed for effective tick treatment or prevention and should not be used as a substitute for proper spray application. Foggers are most effective when used to apply space sprays in enclosed, structural environments such as barns, feed rooms, or equipment storage sheds.

Use extra caution with organophosphates. Products containing organophosphates, such as Prolate/Lintox HD™ Insecticidal Spray & Backrubber for Livestock, must not be used in foggers, misters, or other aerosolizing equipment due to the risk of severe inhalation exposure. Always follow the product label and approved application methods.

Starbar Tick Control Products

Starbar offers a full lineup of tick control solutions for a variety of tick species and application requirements. Always apply according to the label to achieve the most effective results.

On Animal

For on-animal treatment, Starbar has a number of effective solutions, including:

• Prolate/Lintox HD™ Insecticidal Spray & Backrubber for Livestock is an on-animal concentrate to control horn flies, ticks and lice. It can be applied as a coarse spray or in a back rubber.
• Inhibidor™ Insecticidal Pour-On features three active ingredients, and kills chewing and sucking lice, horn flies, horse flies, and deer flies.
• Starbar® E-Pro Adulticide Spray controls labeled flies and other biting insects such as mites, lice, and ticks on cattle, swine, poultry, and horses.
• Pyronyl™ Crop Spray is a broad-spectrum insecticide for use on cattle in dairies and feedlots as well as in poultry and swine operations.

Starbar has a number of effective solutions that can be part of your rotational pest management program and can be tailored to your specific needs.

Premise Control

For those looking to prevent ticks from entering their operation, consider these options:

• Lambda 9.7 CS is a high-quality adulticide for insect control in livestock areas, other farm structures, as well as perimeter treatment.
• Starbar® EZ™ Outdoor Fogger kills mosquitoes, ticks, wasps, and 15+ other labeled pests. Sprays up to 15 feet and treats up to 8,750 sq ft. Ideal for any operation as well as backyards, patios, and picnic areas.

Preventative Control Methods

The key to tick prevention is to consider realistic methods for your operation. Below are some tactics you can take to get ahead of tick activity.

Preventative Control Methods

• Rotation away from problematic pastures when ticks are present, or during high-stress times like calving or weaning
• Inclusion of Bos indicus breeds
• Exclusion of wildlife from pastures through heavy/high fence
• Utilizing wildlife deterrents
• Pasture modification by reducing thick vegetation through mowing, herbicide applications or prescribed burning

Chemical Control

When using chemical control methods, it’s essential to apply according to label to ensure correct:

• Dosage
• Application Type
• Re-treatment Timeline
• Cautions and Restrictions

Final Takeaway

Effective tick control depends on choosing preventive control methods, product selection and application suited to the tick species and the operation, following the label, treating the entire animal where permitted, and using realistic preventative and re-treatment strategies.