Wood tick explosion!!!

[goddess40]

Our dogs have had tons of ticks this year, I've even sprayed the yard for them. They give me the creeps, it's like have a bunch of little Cheney's crawling around in my back yard.
They can't use the flea and tick repellent that you put on their backs because it makes them frantic for a day or two so they take a pill that doesn't help with ticks.

Anyone else having the same problem? Our yard is wooded but last year I sprayed the yard once and the dogs had only one tick the entire year.

[TheMightyFavog]

1. I like the way you put it.

Like having a bunch of little Dick Cheneys crawl all over you.

:spray:

[Sabriel]

2. That happens when you pinch the full ones.

There's a reason my grandmother used to say (after a good meal), "I'm as full as a tick!"

She also used "full as a poisoned pup," but that's another matter....

[Pharlo]

3. Have you called and talked to your vet?

He or she may have something that doesn't cause reactions in your dogs. I have a dog who had such a severe reaction to the drops I got at a store that I gave her a bath ten minutes after putting them on her. She had no reaction to the drops that I got from the vet. They were considerably more expensive than those found in the store, but worth every penny.

Best of luck with finding something.

[Connonym]

4. There's also a lepto outbreak in Waukesha County

Just a heads up, this is a type of lepto that isn't included in the vaccinations. My vet has seen several cases this spring. Definitely see your vet if your dog is acting lethargic or not eating -- lepto can be fatal if not treated.

[Broca]

5. Rejoice

that you have discovered a part of Wisconsin's rich natural heritage in your own yard (the part they leave out of the tourist brochures). Maybe if you got a flock of guinea hens they would eat the ticks (if you could keep the dogs from eating the hens). ;-)

[goddess40]

6. The hen's wouldn't last, they'd be dog food.

and we aren't allowed to have chickens in the city. Otherwise I'd love to do it.

Don't guinea hens make a funny, possibly annoying to neighbors, noise?

[Broca]

7. Yes

that is an additional benefit of the guinea hens.

But summer brings more than ticks. http://outside.away.com/outside/magazine/0997/9709bugs.html