Fences are an effective solution, but not everyone wants one, can afford it, or depending where they live able to install them.
Yes the statement about rain in snow resistance is part of a marketing tool I'm sure, but from my experience its very accurate, so long as the instructions are followed. My experience is that I apply the product a few times in the spring, than in late fall.
My employment caused me to be gone for typically 4-5 days at a time, and occasionally 10-12 days. The only thing I had to worry about was watering, so I had an irrigation system installed.
I also only use organic products in my yard and garden
To each their own, not sure how NY is for CWD, but its going at a pretty good rate here in the midwest.
