Solar tick trap with a pheromone lure – A stand-in approach for off-host control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), the brown dog tick, transmits several important haemo-protozoan and
rickettsial pathogens to dogs. Effective control of these ticks is entirely by the use of acaricidal preparations both
on and off the host. Indiscriminate use of acaricides can cause environmental pollution and toxicity to humans as
well as development of acaricidal resistance in ticks. As an alternative control strategy, a novel, eco-friendly and
economical solar tick trap, which attracts ticks using pheromones and kills them by electrocution, was fabricated
for use in kennels to control different stages of ticks. All stages of ticks were found to be lured to sex pheromone
(SP), assembly pheromone (AP) and a combination of SP + AP impregnated vapour patches and electrocuted.
There was a highly significant (p < 0.01) difference in the level of attraction between engorged and questing
stages of ticks to the pheromones in the trap. AP lured a higher number of ticks, both engorged and questing, in
comparison to other pheromones. The solar tick trap bearing vapour patch impregnated with AP was considered
most suitable for use in integrated pest management (IPM) of ticks in heavily infested kennels. The solar trap
remained effective for a month after which, replacement of pheromone impregnated vapour patch was necessary
for continued and effective attraction of the ticks. This solar tick trap device, which uses pheromone without any
acaricide, could prove to be an ideal green alternative for use in IPM of ticks in kennels.
Description
TNV_TTBD_2021_12(1)
Keywords
Veterinary Science