Preliminary research indicates that an average length and diameter for commercial tick tubes is not available as only one product provided dimensions; however, plenty of anecdotal data on how to make DIY tick tubes is available.
TICK TUBE SIZE
- This product description indicates the Damminix Tick Tubes are 1-1/2 inches in diameter and 5-3/4 inches in length.
- The type of cardboard used in commercial tick tubes is not available, but the description for Damminix Tick Tubes says they are "biodegradable, cardboard tubes filled with permethrin treated cotton balls."
- The average length of commercial tick tubes is unknown since the dimensions are available for just one commercial product, but most homemade tick tubes measure between six and eight inches in length.
- The average diameter of commercial tick tubes is unknown since the dimensions are available for just one commercial product, but most DIY sites recommend using a toilet paper or paper towel roll for the tube, which would mean the diameter is about 4 centimeters.
- Some DIY tick tubes are made of PVC pipes, which will last longer; however, they are not biodegradable.
- One review on Damminix Tick Tubes on Amazon states the product is "heavier than a paper towel roll and printed with a coating on top to make it a little weather resistant but it is intended to break down over time."
GENERAL INFORMATION
- According to Thermacell, 24 tick tubes would cover one acre of property.
- This would mean that one tick tube would cover about 1/24th of an acre (1 / 24).
- One tick tube should be placed every 10 feet around the area that is in need of protection.
- Organic Daily Post recommends making tick tubes out of empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
- WideOpenSpaces indicates that toilet paper and paper towel rolls "not be as thick or durable as a commercial tick tube, but they will work quite nicely all the same."
- In addition, the toilet paper and paper towel rolls will "biodegrade much more readily than will a heavy duty cardboard tube."
- Note that in New York, "Because it is illegal to use a pesticide product in a manner that is not listed on the label, you cannot legally make your own tick tubes at home." This may apply to other states as well.