A CLOSER LOOK At Ticks with – Josh Johnson
Spring has officially arrived, with summer just around the bend. Although, it has been slow to arrive in parts of the country this year, we are beginning to shake off the winter. With many looking to escape to the great outdoors for some fun in the sun, vigilant PMPs should be mindful of our eight-legged neighbors anticipating the buffet that our return brings.
As vectors of numerous pathogens, including the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, ticks pose significant health risks beyond the ick factor of sharing our blood with uninvited guests. Today we will discuss an IPM program to help protect ourselves and our loved ones (both two legged and four legged) from these pests.
As with all IPM programs identification is the first step. PMPs should be able to identify tick species commonly encountered in their service area. There are a variety of resources available to help with this including identification guides and university extension programs can that aid in identification, see the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology here.
In addition to identifying ticks, it is helpful to be able to recognize areas where ticks are likely to be present. Areas of brush, ground cover, or tall grass may offer harborage to these pests. Ticks will generally be found from the ground up to about knee height. When visiting parks, trails, or other recreational areas, precautions should be taken to limit and/or reduce exposure. Tucking pant legs into socks along with applying a repellent containing the active ingredient deet may reduce the chances of picking up ticks. Additionally, you should inspect people and pets after visiting such areas. Keep in mind that while engorged females may be easy to spot, the diminutive size of larvae and nymphs can make them more difficult to notice.
In the environment in and around structures, PMPs need to educate customers on decreasing conducive harborage areas. Keeping grass and weeds cut short will make ticks more susceptible to desiccation. Trimming shrubs to allow ground clearance can reduce harborage for rodents and other visitors and the ticks that they carry. Reducing debris in the yard also limits favorable areas for rodents as well as any nests. Inspecting structures and sealing entry points for birds, rodents, bats, and other mammals can be another line of defense.
Pets (especially dogs) should be checked for ticks and groomed on a regular basis. Owners should also inspect and clean pet bedding at regular intervals. A veterinarian may be consulted for prevention and treatment of ticks on our customers pets. It is imperative that PMPs keep in mind that although we have a working knowledge of ticks and tick-borne illness, we are not qualified and should refrain from making any treatment recommendations to pets or people.
Supplemental to implementing non-chemical strategies to avoid ticks and reduce their numbers in and around our structures, PMPs and customers may benefit from the addition of chemical controls. Technicians should consider the environment, customer demands, and the product label when selecting a pesticide/acaricide.
Control Solutions has several products labeled for killing and preventing ticks that are optimal choices for both technicians and customers, no matter their needs. Duraflex ZC is a combination chemistry product labeled for ticks that offers an encapsulated pyrethroid along with two IGRs. This combination impacts both adults and developing ticks. Vector Kleer is a 25(b) option for PMPs looking for a green option. This product uses a proprietary combination of essential oils designed to kill ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas.
When mixing and applying any pesticide it is imperative to read and follow all label instructions. A technician should also consider the behavior of the pest. Remember that ticks will typically be found questing no higher than knee height, so focus treatment in this height range. In general, landscaping and yards are best to treat via broadcast applications focusing on grass, vegetation and structures where ticks will climb to a height of three feet. Indoor applications will typically be made to cracks and crevices where ticks harbor. Both Duraflex ZC and Vector Kleer are labeled for indoor and outdoor use.
Although ticks can be present year-round, we often see a spike in services in the spring and fall. It is important for PMPs to recognize ticks as well as the environmental conditions that allow them to persist. Understanding their behavior and biology allows PMPs to recommend and implement both prevention and corrective strategies with their customers. The team at Control Solutions is here to help you make the best choice for you and your customers as you control ticks this spring and beyond.
