Non-chemical Methods of Control in Parks and Low-Density Housing
Landscaping
Ticks need a humid environment to thrive. This humidity is created by plant cover and plant debris (e.g. leaf litter). This results in a micro-climate that is suitable for ticks. Strategic landscaping using paving, wood chips and gravel can reduce the humidity, keeping the ticks at a distance from housing and recreational areas.
For further information on how to use various substrates and landscape planning, see our section on Creating a Buffer Zone.
Guinea Fowl
Guinea fowl are avid eaters of ticks, but they are extremely noisy. In both suburban and rural controlled study sites, the Helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) has been used to control ticks. It has been demonstrated that, although noisy, this species would be an appropriate means of tick control in areas of low-density housing and public parks, where noise is unlikely to be a problem.
Helmeted Guinea fowl
