I actually did feel it bite me yesterday so I'm confident that it wasn't on me very long. My routine every day is too take both dogs out at 6:45am. My big dog Banjo Boxer/Hound mix with short mostly white with brown sploches is off leash and goes to generally the same spots in the yard to do his business. My little morkie Sam is on a 10' retractable leash and is real low to the ground and her coat is like a magnet for leaves. I'm thinking it came in on her because after we get back in the house and she eats her food she jumps right on my lap while I drink my coffee and watch the news. I haven't seen a tick on Banjo this year and after checking Sam I found nothing though her coat is tough the see everywhere and she's so wriggly when I'm checking her. We use K9 Advantix II and I have been happy with it to date. I am going to try a yard spray that was recommended on my (800)PetMeds page when I made the resupply purchase. It's only $20 and from the reviews I read it seems like it's worth the try to spray my yard with it.
Virbac Animal Health | United States - VIRBAC Yard Spray Concentrate