A biological Test for assessing the acaricidal Properties of DDT and “Gammexane” Preparations

Abstract

When DDT and “Gammexane” were first used in Uganda for work on tick control, the absence of a rapid and simple chemical test made it necessary to evolve a biological method which would assess the killing power of the preparations in use. Such a method, if it is to be employed to assess the results of field work, should satisfy the following conditions;(a) ticks should receive an initial wetting with the preparation comparable to that received when cattle are dipped or sprayed, and(b) remain on a moist surface for a few hours, and then for a longer period in contact with the dried deposit, as in the case of the animal after it has been dipped or sprayed.