Integrated use of 4-Poster passive topical treatment devices for deer, targeted acaricide applications, and Maxforce TMS bait boxes to rapidly suppress populations of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in a residential landscape.
In fall 2003, we began testing an integrated control strategy to rapidly achieve and sustain reduced numbers of Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) in a residential area. We combined two host-targeted technologies in conjunction with single, barrier acaricide applications to sequentially attack each postembryonic life stage of the tick. Granular deltamethrin applied to the lawn-forest interface of participant properties resulted in 100% control of host-seeking nymphs. Nymphal and larval tick burdens on targeted small mammal hosts at treated properties were reduced by 92.7 and 95.4%, respectively, after the first year (2004) of combined interventions. Over the same period, populations of host-seeking nymphs, larvae, and adults were reduced by 58.5, 24.8, and 77.8%, respectively. After interventions in 2005, tick burdens on small mammals were maintained at similar levels, whereas control of host-seeking nymphs, larvae, and adults increased to 94.3, 90.6, and 87.3%, respectively. Prospects for widespread use of these technologies to protect the public's health are discussed.
Schulze
Terry L
TL
Freehold Area Health Department, Municipal Plaza, Schanck Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728, USA. tlschulze@monmouth.com
Jordan
Robert A
RA
Schulze
Christopher J
CJ
Healy
Sean P
SP
Jahn
Margaret B
MB
Piesman
Joseph
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003670:Deer / Q000469:parasitology*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018884:Ixodes; D007814:Larva; D008322:Mammals / Q000469:parasitology; D009758:Nymph; D011156:Population Density; D013983:Tick Control / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors
D007306:Insecticides