So I talked to my wife and she said that advantix is pretty serious stuff, but the threat of tick born diseases, particularly hear in ct make it that she recommends it. Several diseases straight up kill the dog and lyme causes its own serious problems. Also, the threat of the ticks getting carried into the house and getting on children is pretty serious. She said it gives you the greatest chance of keeping your dog safe. Often she has people who would rather have their yard sprayed so having them spot treat the pet is much better for the world. She also recommends that pets do not sleep on your bed (and our cats sleep on our heads)
. She also said that the naturals work somewhat, but she often finds ticks on dogs that are treated naturally. So for what its worth...