As licensed mosquito and tick control professionals, one of the most common questions we’ve been receiving this season is:

“Can I use a 100% garlic treatment for ticks on my yard?”

It’s a fair question. Many homeowners are looking for natural alternatives and want to reduce their family’s exposure to synthetic products. We respect those concerns and offer options to fit different preferences.

However, when it comes to ticks, it’s important to understand the difference between a treatment that may help reduce activity and one that is designed to provide the highest level of tick control.

Why Tick Control Matters More Than Ever

Ticks are no longer just a cottage-country problem.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, more than 28,000 human Lyme disease cases were reported across Canada between 2009 and 2025. Reported cases have increased dramatically over that period, reaching more than 7,000 preliminary cases in 2025 alone.  We believe this is underreported.

Ontario public health officials also note that blacklegged ticks are spreading into new areas of the province and that infected ticks can now be found in many regions of Ontario.

We too have seen a massive increase over the last couple years in the same area we service.

In addition to Lyme disease, blacklegged ticks can carry other illnesses including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.

What About the All-Natural Garlic Treatments?

Garlic-based treatments are popular because they are derived from natural ingredients and have little environmental persistence.

Homeowners choose garlic because they want a lower-impact approach to mosquito and tick management.

The challenge when it comes to ticks is that garlic products generally do not have the same body of evidence supporting consistent reduction as registered tick-control pesticides do. Results can vary depending on weather, application timing, vegetation density, and local tick populations.

For some homeowners, that tradeoff is acceptable. For others, particularly those with children, pets, or heavy tick pressure on their property, it may not be.

When We Recommend a Tick-Control Pesticide

If a homeowner’s primary goal is reducing the risk of tick encounters, we typically recommend our Hyrbrid treatment – garlic mixed with pesticide.

This is especially true when:

• Ticks have already been found on the property
• The property backs onto woods or natural areas
• Children regularly play outdoors
• Dogs frequently use the yard
• The property is located in an area known for tick activity

In these situations, we believe the most effective control option should be part of the conversation.

The Best Approach: Integrated Tick Management

No treatment—natural or synthetic—should be viewed as a complete solution.

The most effective tick prevention plans include:

• Regular mowing and property maintenance
• Removal of leaf litter and brush
• Reducing dense vegetation along property edges
• Routine tick checks after outdoor activities
• Veterinarian-approved tick prevention for pets
• Professional yard treatments where appropriate

Our Philosophy

We respect homeowners who prefer natural options and we are happy to discuss garlic treatments.

At the same time, we believe homeowners deserve honest information.

If your goal is simply to use a natural product, a garlic treatment may be a reasonable option.

If your goal is to achieve the highest level of tick reduction and lower the risk of tick-borne diseases, we generally recommend our Hybrid treatment program combined with good property management practices.

The right choice depends on your priorities, your property, and your family’s level of risk.

Have questions about tick activity on your property? Contact us for an assessment and we’ll help you choose the approach that best fits your needs.

#NoMoreBuzzingAround
Mosquito Mom