Evaluation of landscaping and vegetation management to suppress host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) nymphs on residential properties in Connecticut, USA

Author:

Linske Megan A12ORCID,Williams Scott C13ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station , New Haven, CT 06511 , USA

2. Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station , New Haven, CT 06511 , USA

3. Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station , New Haven, CT 06511 , USA

Abstract

Abstract Ticks and tick-borne diseases are of increasing concern across the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae) remains the primary vector for the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner). Prior studies established that I. scapularis can be found in greatest abundance in the 1-m forested ecotone surrounding the lawn edge in residential backyards. Our study was conducted on 42 properties in Guilford, CT, and sought to expand upon this premise by determining which key habitat features were associated with increased densities of host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs. We quantified nymphal abundances in 19 different habitat types that were posited to influence densities. We determined that nymphal I. scapularis densities were greatest in forested areas closest to lawn edges with leaf litter or understory vegetation present, as well as short lawns adjacent to woodland edges. Additionally, we determined that there were no significant declines in nymphal I. scapularis density where leaf litter was removed, lawns were left unmowed, or woodchip barriers were installed. Bird feeders and woodpiles were not associated with increased nymphal I. scapularis densities. However, areas adjacent to stone walls did have nearly 3 times the density of I. scapularis nymphs present compared with habitats without stone walls. The culmination of the results from this study can be utilized to create more targeted acaricide applications rather than broadcast spraying, as well as increase homeowner awareness for areas with heightened risk for exposure to nymphal I. scapularis, which are deemed the most epidemiologically important species and stage for pathogen transfer to humans.

Funder

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

State of Connecticut General Fund

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Reference68 articles.

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3. Effects of vegetation structure and edge habitat on the density and distribution of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in small and large forest patches;Anderson,2003

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