Clustering Effects of Lone Star Ticks in Nature: Implications for Control

Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that can transmit disease organisms. Their distribution in nature is largely determined by the activities of their vertebrate hosts. To help identify ways of controlling ticks in the natural environment with minimal use of pesticides, this study assesses the clusteri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental health 1997-06, Vol.59 (10), p.8-11
Main Author: Goddard, Jerome
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acari
Adult insects
Amblyomma americanum
Analysis
Behavior
Control
Environmental health
Environmental protection
FEATURES
Geography
Insects
Lyme disease
Nymphs
Parasite hosts
Parasites
Parasitological research
Pesticides
Soil water
Tick borne diseases
Ticks
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Summary:Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that can transmit disease organisms. Their distribution in nature is largely determined by the activities of their vertebrate hosts. To help identify ways of controlling ticks in the natural environment with minimal use of pesticides, this study assesses the clustering of adult and nymphal lone star ticks. Two lanes 620 meters long by two meters wide were systematically surveyed for ticks from April to October, 1994, on a weekly basis. Tick collections were carefully plotted on maps of the lanes. The clustering effect is described, soil moisture and shade are discussed as contributing factors, and the implications for future control strategies are presented.
ISSN:0022-0892