Dr. Stafford Tick Management Handbook - Newtown, CT

StaffordArea-Wide Chemical Control of TicksThe Connecticut Agricultural Experimentation StationInsecticides, or as termed for ticks, acaricides, arethe most effective way to reduce ticks, particularly whencombined with the landscaping changes to decreasetick habitat reviewed earlier in this handbook. Thesemeasures provide consistent control, are relatively easy toapply, and are relatively inexpensive. Only small amountsof an acaricide applied at the right time of year arenecessary. Chemical intervention should focus on earlycontrol of nymphal I. scapularis ticks, the stage mostlikely to transmit Lyme disease, by spraying once in Mayor early June. A fall application in October may be usedto control adult blacklegged ticks (or in the spring if nofall application was made). Targeting lawn and woodlandedges and perimeter areas near tick “hot-spots” or alongthe “tick zone” can minimize exposure. Some generalpoints to consider if you spray for ticks:• Applications can be made by the homeowner orby a commercial applicator.• Spray once in the late spring or early summer forcontrol of I. scapularis nymphs. For Americandog ticks, an application can be made anytimeafter the adults emerge in the spring.• A single application of most ornamental-turfinsecticides will provide 85-90% or bettercontrol with some residual activity so multipleapplications are rarely necessary. Some organicpesticide products are less effective, breakdownrapidly, and multiple applications may berequired.• Focus treatment on tick habitat. Spray areaswhere the lawn meets the woods, stonewalls,or ornamental plantings. Spray several yardsinto bordering woodlands, area of greatesttick density. Spray groundcover vegetationlike Pachysandra near the home or walkways.Spray perimeter of areas of the yard often usedby people (play areas, gardens, outside storageareas, walkways or paths to neighbors ormailboxes). Avoid herb, vegetable, and butter. ygardens.• In parks and school athletic . elds, restrict any applications to high-risk tick habitat.Spraying of open . elds and lawns is not necessary.106107108109Bulletin No. 1010 63