The current study was conducted to determine the efficacy of local spirit (areki) against ticks on cattle. Farmers were taken purposively from each randomly selected study site. The total was 285. Before spray, each animal was inspected for tick infestation, and the number, growth stage (nymph or adult stage) of the ticks was recorded. Also, the conditions of the animal (age, sex, health status, feed status, size) were recorded. Spray treatments were applied at a rate 150 ml per animal. Four levels of dilution (areki) were used for the toxicity test. Before spray, overall, mean number of nymphs per animal was 14.61, adults 13.84 and total was 18.45. According to the toxicity test, ticks exposed to the undiluted and 50% diluted areki all died; some 95% of those treated with quarter `areki and only 5% of those with pure water died. After spray, live numbers of ticks were significantly higher on the control (unsprayed) animals. Number of dead ticks was significantly higher on animals treated with acaricide and the local areki. There was no mortality of ticks on animals that were not treated. Live number of ticks after spray did not vary with respect to the health status, body size, sex, breed type, area and feed supply levels. In contrast, number of dead ticks varied with respect to the health status, feed supply, and breed type but not of body size of cattle, area of residence and sexes. Percent tick mortality varied only between levels of health status and feed supply. Tick density per animal slightly varied among study localities; tick mortality was higher at Woldia Deferge; survival was less at Woldia Deferge, Mechare, Jarsa, Geneto and Amayemicha. Percent reduction in the number of ticks was higher at Woldia Deferge than other study sites. According to the regression analysis, some of the study sites, type of breeds, feed supply, health status of the animal, and spray treatments played statistically significant role in the mortality of ticks by either encouraging or discouraging mortality. In general, the current study showed that areki was promising for the management of ticks on cattle in and around Woldia area. Key words: Cattle, external parasites, ticks, organic pesticides, risk factors.