Maine Residents Turn to 3-Foot Barriers and Permethrin as Ticks Spread Lyme Disease
Updated
Updated · Bangor Daily News · Jun 21
Maine Residents Turn to 3-Foot Barriers and Permethrin as Ticks Spread Lyme Disease
2 articles · Updated · Bangor Daily News · Jun 21
Summary
Maine homeowners are increasingly using yard treatments and personal protection as tick activity rises with spring outdoor work and Lyme disease remains a growing threat.
67% of sampled ticks were found in densely wooded areas and 82% of lawn ticks within three yards of the perimeter, driving advice to target forest edges, dense vegetation and shaded spots rather than entire yards.
Options range from synthetic pesticides such as bifenthrin to natural repellents like garlic oil and essential-oil mixes, but specialists say neither approach will eliminate ticks and pesticide use requires careful risk trade-offs.
3-foot gravel or rubber-mulch barriers, shorter grass, less leaf litter, deer fencing and moving play areas into sunny spaces can make yards less hospitable to ticks.
permethrin-treated clothing and multiple daily tick checks remain essential because ticks can still evade yard controls, and experts warn people can pick them up even in their own backyards.