Developed at Harvard University School of Public Health, Thermacell Tick Control Tubes are the no-spray, no mess, easy way to kill deer ticks and help prevent them from spreading Lyme disease to pets and family. The 12- count box treats about ½ acre of property per application. Tick tubes work with nature to reduce the tick population. Mice are the primary source of Lyme causing ticks, so tick tubes are designed to stop ticks on mice. Mice are drawn to the cotton in Tick Tubes, using it to line their nests. The cotton is treated and kills ticks on the mice and in their burrows. Each mouse can carry dozens of ticks, and with regular use, tick tubes can dramatically reduce the tick population. For best results, apply twice a year. Apply first in late-April, again, in late- July. Place the tubes flat on the ground in brush-covered and wooded areas that mice may frequent, with a maximum distance of 10 yards between each tube.