Removing Ticks with Dormant Oil

As a pet owner, you not only need to focus on removing ticks from your dog's body, but you also have to take measures to prevent tick infections in your home and surroundings. Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to the dog's body and spread several infectious diseases by sucking on the pet's blood. They are also known to spread Lyme disease that causes severe symptoms like rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain. Hence, several manufacturers have formulated products like flea and tick dips, collars and monthly topical medications to prevent and cure tick infections in dogs. Although these products are quite effective, pet owners have to adopt a multi-pronged approach to prevent flea and tick infections on a long term basis.

Treatment of Tick Infections

There are several commercially available products that control flea infections to a certain extent. However, since flea and tick larvae survive in the environment, it becomes essential to treat the home and its surroundings with pet friendly chemicals to ward off parasites. Dormant oil is one such pesticide that is being commonly used to treat outdoor areas and kill pests.

Dormant Oil

Dormant oil, also known as horticultural oil, is a synthetic insecticide that controls pests on plants and trees. Since it is an oil based product, it works effectively and is safe for use on plants. There are several types of oil based insecticides that are sprayed on edible plants and fruits. However, dormant oil as the name specifies, is to be exclusively used in the dormant season. This means that the oil should be sprayed on plants in early spring or just before flowers start to bloom. Apart from reducing the tick population, dormant oil is beneficial because it dissipates rapidly and isn't as toxic as other pesticides. Nearly 70 to 100 percent of the tick population surviving in your plants can be eliminated in a single application, each year.

How Dormant Oil Works

Dormant oil suffocates pests by blocking their air passages. These oils are also known to destroy the metabolism of parasite eggs and reduce the insect's ability to feed on plants. If dormant oils are used in combination with other pesticides, they can prove to be more effective. However, you must follow the instructions listed on the package before spraying dormant oil on your plants, so that the product is used appropriately.

Commercially Available Dormant Oil Sprays Include:

  • Acme 25 150 Dormant Oil
  • Scotts PT Volck Oil Spray
  • PBI Gordon Dormant Oil Spray 
  • Saf-T-Side Horticultural Oil

Tips for Pet Owners

If you've had tick infestations in your home, you need to adopt several preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of parasites. Make sure you wash your pet's bedding regularly and disinfect the surroundings periodically. Run a flea comb through your pet's hair to check for signs of an infection and bathe the pet to keep him free from dirt or debris. You should also vacuum and steam clean your carpets to kill flea and tick larvae.

Remember to conduct routine fecal exams to rule out the presence of worm infections that are transmitted by parasites to your dog.

 

Comments