How to Build a Dry Ice Tick Trap

A tick's instinct tells it when there's carbon dioxide, or CO2, nearby. CO2 indicates the presence of a living, breathing blood host offering a fresh meal. Exploit this natural instinct to trap the nasty beasties, that prey upon your family and pets, by building your own dry ice tick trap. Two pounds of dry ice will produce carbon dioxide for several hours, attracting ticks to the source.

Styrofoam cooler, at least 6 inches wide, 6 inches long and 12 inches high, with lid

Serrated knife

Sheet of sturdy cardboard, about 2 feet square

Pen or pencil

Masking or duct tape

Stapler

All-purpose glue

Heavy work gloves

2 pound block of dry ice

Choose a Styrofoam cooler at least 6 inches wide, 6 inches long and 12 inches tall, with a lid. Use a serrated knife to cut holes in the cooler. Make a ? to ? inch hole on each side, about an inch from the bottom of the cooler.

Set the cooler in the center of a sheet of sturdy cardboard, about 2 feet square. Trace around it with a pen or pencil. Remove the cooler.

Apply some all-purpose glue to the bottom of the cooler and stick it inside the tracing on the cardboard. Press it into place and allow the glue to dry.

Cut strips of masking or duct tape long enough to create a border around the outside of the cooler. Position them sticky side up beginning about two inches away from the cooler, and cover the cardboard sheet with them. Staple the strips of tape to the cardboard.

Put on a pair of heavy work gloves. Don’t allow dry ice to come into contact with your skin. Place a 2 pound block of dry ice inside the tick trap and close lid securely.

Place the tick trap in a problem area of your yard. Check it once every hour. Remove and replace strips of tape that become laden with ticks.

Wear heavy work gloves when you handle dry ice, which will injure bare skin. It's a good idea to wear long sleeves and eye protection, too.