posted
I live in an endemic area in Wisconsin. Our house is located in a rural area with a lot of undeveloped farm and hunting land surrounding our property. Many folks that live around here have been dealing with Lyme Disease.
I have been diagnosed with chronic lyme disease and our dogs struggle with it as well.
My husband and I are very interested in learning more about what can be done to control the tick population on our property in Wisconsin. We also are curious about what is being done in other areas on the state and federal levels. I would imagine that a lot of the east coast states are implementing various programs? Is the DNR or other agencies involved?
Anyway, I am looking for your opinions/suggestions on the following:
1. Damminnix Tubes: These seem pretty pricey. Are they effective? Has anyone considered making their own? Where is the best place to order these?
2. Guineau Hens: Are there many who have these noisy little birds to control the ticks? I realize this is only feasible if in a rural area.
3. Permitherin granular/liquid pesticides: I'm not very big on using pesticides on the lawn, but I realize that this is serious business! Are many using these products? Are there any alternatives?
4. Lavendar plants: Do these really deter ticks?
5. Controlled burns: Has this been tried? If so, is it effective?
6. Any other ideas?
We are thinking about getting in touch with the DNR to see if there is anything else that we can do...
Posts: 15 | From Wisconsin | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
As far as I know, very little is done by states and feds for this on a wholescale basis. I would search state department of health websites, as opposed to environmental agencies. On the fed level I would search the park service and maybe each branch of the military as they are probably the most likely to have guidelines.
Perhaps a fence around your "yard" to keep other animals out and your dogs in. Keep that well mowed and free of ground litter.
Posts: 252 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2010
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Hey Nichol,
Sorry you got "Lymed" but glad you are being active with prevention efforts.
Good questions!
If I may address this one first...
"5. Controlled burns: Has this been tried? If so, is it effective?"
I thought that would be a sensible thing to do.. still, actually I do, to an extent.
But I read a study that the burns will reduce numbers of ticks for the short term, but as the area regenerates- the new growth encourages the mice, small animals and then the deer to return, setting up the cycle all over again.
Now.. (my thought) combine the burn with other solutions and maybe the results would be better? I am guessing at that. No studies done that I know of.
For example.. burn a heavily infested area (control burn with all safety measures of course) .. with particular emphasis on the forest floor where ticks try to hide (the ground cover).
This can actually be done, if done carefully, without destroying the canopy and some well-established trees.
Once that is done, the Daminix tubes (or less expensive paper towel cardboard rolls or small sections of pvc pipe with treated cotton balls loosely placed inside) can be placed at intervals around the property for another approach.
The guinney hens... eh.. in my opinion.... the noise (incredible at times), expense for food and constant care and protection from predators weighed against the benefit of possibly reducing the tick numbers.. that is up to you... and any neighbors within a couple miles distance that might be disturbed by the noise.
I don't know about the lavender plants deterring ticks, but the ones I have here attract a LOT of bees, including sweat bees, so keep that in mind. (Stupid me for putting them right next to the front step where we often sit.)
One attempt that may help can be found here. You may consider creating a "safe zone".
posted
Hi - here's another idea, if you'd be interested in investigating it -
Orange Guard (in stores) or TKO Orange (concentrate form) contains the compound d'limonene, from oranges. It's how oranges keep bugs away.
A small amount can be put in a spray container, fill up with water and spray on clothing, ground area and lightly rub/mist on dog and cat fur. It's ok to use as long as no one is allergic to oranges.
Someone I know ordered it by the gallon, sprayed his land, and reported seeing no more ticks.
The TKO folks also said it could be sprayed around the perimeter of one's property and it would keep out animals.
I suppose if they said if can be lightly applied to cats and dogs, it won't keep them out!
Anyway, it's an idea. If you try it, I'd be interested in hearing about the results - you can pm me.
It's also a great cleaner - takes out spots, stains, odors, mold, etc.
posted
Does anyone know where to get nootkatone. I went to a DNR meeting in Wausau, WI last week and they mentioned this as a product that is natural and kills tics
Posts: 303 | From green bay, wi | Registered: Mar 2009
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posted
Good question, mom - I heard nootkatone was being researched. I'd love to know if it's available for use yet. I read research reports that a high-pressured nootkatone spray killed ticks for 42 days in the area.
I'd like to see more discussion on sprays that are nontoxic to us and can kill the ticks.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Controlled burns ? Well ticks can actually survive forest fires. They burrow into nooks and crannies and actually do rather well. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
This 84-page document includes some outstanding images and seems to cover a lot of ground. I've just begun to read through it myself, but it seems like required reading in a "Tick Management 101" class.
Please read, comment, and share useful info! Smile
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