Live in a flea/tick infested area, but do not use pesticides on my dogs. Frontline has caused many reactions and... if it tells me to rinse it off myself, I don't really want to put it on my dog. I use a combination. Sometimes I use Cedarcide

http://www.cedarcidestore.com/green_pest_control.html

which works awesomely. Kills on contact. And I also use a neem oil. You can also rub edible diatomacious earth on your dogs for protection. Sure, I have to do this a lot more than once a month but it's worth it to me. I'll take the time.