Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington (2006) 108, 82-91

J.F. Carroll, V.B. Solberg and T.L. Cyr (2006)
Development of a bioassay for evaluating tick (Acari: Ixodidae) attractants in the field
Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 108 (1), 82-91
Abstract: A method for testing tick attractants under field conditions is described. The uneven distribution of host-seeking ticks, even within habitat types, can compromise evaluations of experimental baits and necessitate extensive testing. This problem can be remedied by releasing known numbers of ticks at predetermined locations and distances from an experimental bait. Lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), nymphs were released directly downwind of dry ice baits on 2.25 × 2.25 m cotton sheets that had been placed on the ground. Each sheet was aligned with the direction of the wind and edged with a masking tape barrier. Best results in discriminating between dry ice baits and untreated controls were with nymphs released 1.5 and 2 m from the bait and recaptured after 1 h in a zone < 1 m from the bait. The success of this method depends on the wind not stopping for prolonged periods and not radically changing direction.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): John F. Carroll

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Amblyomma americanum