Careful Pesticide Selection

Organophosphates and Carbamates will NOT Be Used Pesticides which belong to these categories and are commonly used for tick control include Dursban (Chlorpyrifos) and Sevin (Carbaryl). These materials are still the standard selections for tick control within the Pest Control and Lawn Care industries. However, because there is controversy surrounding organophosphates and carbamates within the environmental and scientific communities, Cooper has chosen to seek an equally effective alternative (see Cooper’s choice). Granular Pesticides will NOT be used Granules are often selected for tick control. Cooper has chosen not to use these materials due to the large diversity of animals which may pick up and feed upon the physical granule particles distributed in landscaped and wooded areas. Cooper's Choice Synthetic pyrethroids in a wettable powder formulation have been selected as the most appropriate and effective solution for the control of ticks. Based on the research and findings of Richard Cooper, our Staff Entomologist, Cooper Pest Control has selected the use of synthetic pyrethroids in a wettable powder formulation for our tick control programs. Richard’s findings are supported by studies conducted by both the USDA as well as a number of major universities. Their studies have shown synthetic pyrethroids to be equally effective at controlling all stages of ticks, when compared to organophosphates and carbamates.

Tick Biology And Behavior

Definitions Forest Line Where edge of a forest meets another habitat. Examples are forest meeting lawn, forest meeting meadow, forest meeting street etc. Leaf Litter The organic debris which rest on a forest floor. In residential lawns this would include areas of un-raked leaves and or branches and compost piles. Immature ticks (and in particular the deer tick) reside in these areas. Un-maintained Area Any grassy or weedy area higher than 2" high. Manicured Area Well trimmed lawns (2" or less in height), parking lots, dirt without weeds etc. Grass Line Meeting point between a un-maintained and manicured area. Dense Ground Cover Areas including pachysandra, ivy, or thick shrubbery. Additionally this includes landscaped beds where rodents may harbor. Questing Behavior This term is used to describe the behavior of ticks which are positioned in the vegetation waiting for a suitable host on which to attach and receive a blood meal. Tick Life Cycle All ticks go through four life stages, egg, larval, nymphal and adult. A blood meal is required for ticks to develop from immature stages into the adult stage. A blood meal is also required in adult females prior to reproduction. Adult males do not feed on blood. The following description is generalized for most ticks. Different species may vary slightly in their specific biology. Adult females lay eggs during the early Spring (April/May) following a blood meal. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and larvae emerge. Larval ticks are extremely small (the size of a pin head) and are typically found in the leaf litter where they feed on small animals such as mice and chipmunks. After acquiring a blood meal larval nymphs molt and advance into the nymphal stage. Nymphal ticks feed on larger animals (dogs, birds, deer etc.) and are found within the leaf litter and the first foot or two of un-maintained vegetation. After receiving a blood meal nymphal ticks advance into the adult stage. Adult females require a blood meal in order to produce eggs. Adult males do not feed on blood and die shortly after mating. Adult ticks are typically found in un-maintained vegetation between ankle and waist height . The habitat for ticks is primarily in forested areas, grass lines and areas of dense ground cover. Control of ticks therefore requires treatment of all of these areas. Occurrence Of Ticks In New Jersey There are a number of ticks common to New Jersey each of which varies in behavior. The degree to which ticks will travel from their questing locations also varies however ticks are most likely to be encountered along grass lines, forest lines and animal paths. American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) American Dog Ticks are the most frequently encountered tick and are the most likely tick to be found on both pets and humans. These ticks are very active and will travel from their questing locations into manicured areas. These ticks will readily use humans as a host and capable of transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) Brown Dog Ticks are very specific to dogs and are rarely found on humans. This tick is a domestic species and is the only tick which will leave its host and infest the home. They are primarily found indoors in cracks and crevices of the home. It is believed that this tick is usually brought into homes by dogs which have picked them up while visiting infested structures such as veterinarians, groomers, kennels etc. Occasionally dogs will pick up Brown Dog Ticks while outside of the home in kennels or areas where they rest. Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americaum) Lone star ticks are very aggressive ticks and will actively travel from their questing locations into manicured areas. Lone star ticks are commonly found on a wide variety of animals, including humans. These ticks are capable of transmitting Lymes disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Tularemia. Deer Tick (Ioxides dammini) Deer ticks are the primary tick responsible for the transmission of Lymes disease. These ticks do not travel far from their questing locations and are usually encountered during recreational activities in the woods or in meadows. Diseases Transmitted by Ticks Found in New Jersey The primary disease of concern in New Jersey is Lymes Disease. The Deer Tick (Ioxides dammini) is the primary vector of Lymes Disease. Other ticks including the Lone Star tick and Dog Ticks which occur in New Jersey have been shown to harbor the spirochete and may serve as secondary vectors. (Pfizer, 1987) The following is a table listing the diseases commonly transmitted by Ticks found in New Jersey. Disease Primary Tick(s) Responsible for disease transmission Lyme Disease Deer Ticks (Ioxides dammini) Lone Star Tick)(Amblyomma americaum) Rocky Mountain spotted fever American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americaum) Tularemia Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americaum) What You Can Do To Reduce The Threat Of Ticks

1. Keep grass and weeds well trimmed (less than 2").
2. Avoid walking along grass lines and forest lines.
3. Avoid walking in forested areas and meadows.
4. Avoid walking your dog in tick infested areas.
5. When spending time in areas where ticks are likely to occur such as forests and meadows or wear long pants, light colored clothing and pull socks up over pant legs. This will enable you to notice ticks more readily than against dark clothing.
6. Inspect yourself for ticks when you return home from spending time in areas where ticks are likely to occur. Ticks travel most readily to the groin, belt line, underarms and head. If ticks are located, remove as soon as possible by using tweezers to grab the tick as close to the mouth parts as possible.
7. Tick repellents are available for use on your pet or your clothing when entering tick infested areas.
8. Consult your County Agent or Cooper Pest Control for more information regarding ticks and their control.

For additional information on ticks or Lymes disease contact your local County Extension Agent: Mercer County (609) 989-6830 Middlesex County (908) 745-3442 / 745-3443 Burlington (609) 265-5050 Somerset (908) 231-7000 Morris (201) 285-8300