‘American Malaria’ - Babesiosis

Ticks in Massachusetts and Essex County pose significant health risks as they spread various diseases, including Lyme disease, Powassan virus, and babesiosis. These blood-sucking parasites often hitchhike on white-tailed deer, whose range is expanding due to warmer temperatures and reduced snowpack. Ticks acquire pathogens from feeding on small mammals like mice, which act as reservoirs for diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis. This growing threat is especially concerning in regions like Essex County, where rising tick populations align with the state’s warming climate, leading to a notable increase in tick-borne illnesses.

Babesiosis, sometimes referred to as "American malaria," is of particular concern due to its rapid spread and severity. A study revealed a significant rise in cases across the U.S., with an average annual increase of 9%, driven by the black-legged tick's expanding range. In the Northeast, including areas like Massachusetts, the growth has been astronomical, with Vermont and Maine seeing over 1,400% increases in cases over recent years. Interestingly, people with co-infections of babesiosis and other tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, may have better survival rates. Researchers speculate that these coinfections might boost the immune response, although more studies are needed to confirm the role of treatments like doxycycline against babesiosis.

Preventing tick-borne diseases remains critical for residents in Essex County and beyond. Protective measures such as wearing long clothing, using insect repellents, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities are essential. Given the growing prevalence of babesiosis and other infections, heightened awareness and preventive practices are necessary to address the escalating health risks posed by ticks in Massachusetts.

Rodent Fruit Tree Damage in Winter

During the winter months in Massachusetts, particularly in areas of Essex County, including Amesbury, Newburyport, Ipswich, Cape Ann, and Andover, mice can cause significant damage to fruit trees. Snow cover often shields their activities, allowing them to gnaw on tree bark undetected, which disrupts the flow of nutrients from leaves to roots. This is especially dangerous for young trees with soft bark, as mice may cause girdling, a fatal condition where the bark is entirely removed around the trunk. In some cases, mice also attack tree roots, destabilizing the tree and harming its nutrient absorption.

To prevent mice from damaging fruit trees, especially in vulnerable regions like those near wooded areas, it’s essential to take proactive measures. Wrapping tree trunks with screen wire or hardware cloth can effectively block mice from accessing the bark. This barrier should extend above the snow line and be buried underground to prevent rodents from burrowing under it. Additionally, reducing the environmental factors that attract mice, such as keeping grass low, clearing fallen fruit, and eliminating piles of leaves or compost, can help protect trees during the winter.

In more rural area’s of the Northshore like North Andover, West Newbury, Topsfield, Georgetown, where field mice populations may be higher, additional strategies can be useful. Creating a vegetation-free zone around trees, planting mouse-repellent plants, and encouraging natural predators like owls by installing owl boxes are all sustainable options. Regular inspections throughout winter can help identify early signs of rodent activity. In cases of severe infestation, it may be necessary to contact Nature’s Defense pest control professional for more targeted solutions.

Massachusetts History Of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

With the end of summer approaching certain mosquito borne illnesses become more prevalent. One such disease is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but deadly mosquito-borne virus that has had a significant impact in the United States, particularly in Massachusetts. First identified in the 1930s, EEE is transmitted by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds, often in swampy and wooded areas. While cases are relatively uncommon, the virus is notorious for its high mortality rate, with roughly 30% of human infections proving fatal. Massachusetts has a troubling history with EEE, experiencing periodic outbreaks that have prompted public health emergencies. In recent years, the state has been one of the hardest-hit, with a notable spike in cases in 2019, resulting in several deaths and widespread aerial pesticide spraying to control mosquito populations.

In humans, EEE typically begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, but can rapidly progress to severe neurological complications, including brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures, and coma. Massachusetts health officials have emphasized the importance of early detection and supportive care, as there is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. Those who survive the illness often face long-term neurological impairments, with young children and the elderly being the most vulnerable. In light of the state’s recurring outbreaks, public health campaigns in Massachusetts focus on encouraging residents to take preventive measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding.

Massachusetts' history with EEE highlights the challenges of managing this unpredictable disease. The state has invested in extensive mosquito control efforts, including monitoring mosquito populations and testing for the virus. When EEE is detected, local governments often implement aggressive measures, including aerial spraying, which has sparked debates about the balance between public health and environmental concerns. The potential for climate change to expand mosquito habitats has raised fears that EEE could become even more of a threat in Massachusetts and beyond. As scientists work to develop better preventive strategies, vigilance remains crucial in protecting both the public and livestock from the dangers of this virus.

West Nile Detected in Massachusetts

“Residents should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

State health officials announced Tuesday that the first human case of West Nile virus and the first animal case of Eastern Equine encephalitis, or EEE, of the season have been diagnosed in Massachusetts.

Boston.com

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a severe and infrequent viral infection transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. This virus, carried by mosquitoes that have previously fed on infected birds, can lead to serious health issues, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Although rare, EEE is highly dangerous, with a mortality rate of about 30%, and many survivors experience significant long-term neurological problems. The symptoms typically manifest 4-10 days after infection and can include fever, headache, seizures, and behavioral changes.

Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE. Management of the disease focuses on supportive care, including hospitalization and respiratory support. Prevention is critical, and the best approach is to avoid mosquito bites. Measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and eliminating standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Special attention should be paid to high-risk areas, especially during peak mosquito activity times such as dusk and dawn.

Recent updates from Massachusetts highlight increased EEE activity with confirmed cases in both humans and animals. Mosquitoes in certain areas have tested positive for EEE, prompting higher risk levels in specific communities. Residents are advised to continue preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and to be vigilant as the mosquito season peaks during August and September. For those with animals, reducing mosquito exposure is also important, with recommendations including proper waste management and the use of mosquito repellents approved for animal use.

Essex County - EEE and West Nile Virus Detected

West Nile and eastern equine encephalitis have now been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, officials say.

NBC Boston Reports: 

In Massachusetts, particularly in Essex County and along the Northshore region encompassing towns like Ipswich, Amesbury, and Newburyport, the need for protection against mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is crucial. These diseases pose significant health risks to residents and visitors alike during the warmer months when mosquito activity peaks. Given the region's proximity to marshlands and wooded areas, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, preventive measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water are essential to mitigate the transmission of these potentially life-threatening illnesses. Public health initiatives including mosquito control programs and community awareness campaigns are vital in safeguarding the population against these diseases. 

Plants to Keep the Ticks Away!

Ticks are unwelcome guests in any yard, posing health risks to humans and pets by transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To naturally deter these awful pests, planting tick-repellent plants is an effective strategy. These plants emit aromas that repel ticks, leveraging nature's defense mechanisms to create a safer outdoor environment.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) stands out as a potent tick repellent due to its high concentration of aromatic compounds like camphor and cineole. These disrupt ticks' sensory perception, making it an excellent choice for areas where people frequently gather outdoors, such as near outdoor living spaces or children's play areas.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is another tick-repellent plant known for its bitter taste and tick-deterring properties. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making it suitable for incorporation into flowerbeds or garden borders.

Garlic (Allium sativa) not only adds flavor to culinary dishes but also acts as a natural tick repellent. Its pungent smell, derived from sulfur compounds, makes it unappealing to ticks and other pests like deer.

Lavender (Lavandula), with its beautiful purple flowers and soothing scent, serves a dual purpose as an ornamental plant and a tick repellent. Native to Mediterranean climates, it thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it ideal for gardens in Essex County.

Mint (Mentha), including varieties like pennyroyal, emits strong essential oils that repel ticks effectively. These plants are easy to grow and maintain, spreading rapidly to form natural barriers against ticks.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon), known for its lemony scent and use in culinary applications, also deters ticks due to its citronella content. While it requires warmer conditions, it can be grown in pots and moved indoors during colder months.

Geraniums (Pelargonium), though toxic to pets, are highly effective in keeping ticks away due to their toxic compounds and strong fragrance. They require pruning and care over the winter but are worth the effort for their repellent properties.

Marigolds (Tagetes) offer bright blooms and a strong scent that repels ticks and other pests. They are easy to grow from seeds and self-propagate, making them a low-maintenance addition to tick-free gardens.

Incorporating these plants strategically around your property in Essex County not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also creates a natural barrier against ticks and the animals that carry them. By leveraging the power of these organic tick repellents, you can enjoy a safe outdoor environment for yourself, your family, and your pets without relying on chemical solutions.

Tick Surveillance Research in New England

The University of New Hampshire (UNH), in collaboration with other institutions in Northern New England, is embarking on a two-year project to establish a comprehensive tick surveillance system. Tick-borne diseases have become a significant concern in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, necessitating improved surveillance and management of tick populations and associated pathogens. With funding from the U.S. Geological Survey, researchers at UNH's NH Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (NHVDL) and Hubbard Center for Genome Studies (HCGS), along with partners at the University of Vermont and the University of Maine, aim to gather baseline data on tick species distribution, abundance, and pathogen presence across various vertebrate hosts.

The objectives of the project include conducting genomic sequencing to screen ticks found on different wildlife species in Northern New England for both known and new microbial pathogens. This data will inform future epidemiological studies, enabling targeted education and control efforts in high-risk areas. The project also aims to enhance public health efforts by serving as a warning system to veterinarians, pet owners, livestock producers, and the general populace. Collaboration with the Entomology Research Laboratory at the University of Vermont and the Tick Lab at the University of Maine Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory further expands the scope of research, including studying fungal colonization in ticks for possible biocontrol methods.

The NH Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (NHVDL) and the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies (HCGS) play key roles in the project. NHVDL provides diagnostic services to various state agencies and stakeholders, while HCGS is dedicated to advancing genomics research and understanding genome function. Additionally, the UNH Research Computing Center will manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. Overall, this collaborative effort aims to address the rising threat of tick-borne diseases in Northern New England through comprehensive surveillance, research, and public health initiatives.

Objectives:

1. Establish baseline data on tick species distribution, abundance, and pathogen presence across Northern New England.

2. Conduct genomic sequencing to screen ticks for both known and new microbial pathogens.

3. Inform future epidemiological studies on the spread of tick-transmitted diseases.

4. Enable targeted education and control efforts in high-risk areas.

5. Serve as a warning system to veterinarians, pet owners, livestock producers, and the general populace.

6. Study fungal colonization in ticks for possible biocontrol methods.

7. Manage and disseminate research data effectively through collaboration with the UNH Research Computing Center.

Mosquitoes and color Attraction

For Essex County Massachusetts, we know with warmer weather and the spring showers bring the bugs. Especially the ticks and mosquitoes!

Scientists are warning it will be a particularly severe mosquito season with increased risk of insect-borne illnesses. 

While traditional repellents like sprays and candles are common, a recent study by the University of Washington highlights the importance of clothing color in preventing mosquito bites. Researchers found that mosquitoes are attracted to red, orange, black, and cyan, while ignoring green, purple, blue, and white. This discovery suggests that wearing less attractive colors can be an effective strategy to avoid bites.

The study tracked the behavior of female yellow fever mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, in response to visual and scent cues. When exposed to carbon dioxide, which humans exhale and mosquitoes can detect, the insects were drawn to dots of red, orange, black, and cyan. Interestingly, the shade of human skin, which emits a strong red signature, also attracts mosquitoes. The study indicates that filtering out these colors or wearing less attractive ones can reduce mosquito bites, adding a fourth cue to the previously known attractors: breath, sweat, and skin temperature.

Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are known for spreading diseases like dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. The study's findings offer a practical tip for the upcoming mosquito season: avoid wearing red, orange, black, and cyan to minimize the risk of bites. As mosquito season lasts from March through fall, and urban areas like Los Angeles, New York City, and Dallas-Ft. Worth see high infestations, this advice is timely and could help mitigate the impact of these pests.

Genetically Altered Mice - For Real!

In recent years, our relationship with rodents has been strained, particularly in Boston, where rats have proliferated in unprecedented numbers during the pandemic. The city's response has included various extermination methods, such as suffocating them with dry ice and using electrocution in Somerville. Generally, urban life necessitates aggressive rodent control, and these pests are often swiftly eradicated upon sight due to their overwhelming presence and lack of benefit to humans.

However, a surprising development is unfolding on Nantucket, where scientists are forming an unlikely alliance with mice to combat a more dangerous enemy: ticks. The initiative, part of the "Mice Against Ticks" project, involves releasing genetically altered mice that are resistant to Lyme disease into the island's ecosystem. These modified mice are expected to help reduce the spread of Lyme disease by preventing ticks from acquiring and transmitting the disease to humans. Researchers from MIT plan to introduce hundreds of thousands of these Lyme-resistant mice to Nantucket and potentially to neighboring Martha's Vineyard.

Before a full-scale release, scientists are testing the genetically altered mice on smaller islands to ensure their effectiveness and safety. These mice will look like ordinary mice but will carry antibodies to fight Lyme disease. If you encounter one of these mice while vacationing on Nantucket, it’s advised to avoid harming them, as they are part of an innovative effort to protect public health by controlling the tick population and reducing Lyme disease transmission.

Putting the Rats on Ice (Dry Ice that is)

Rats have become a pervasive issue in cities worldwide, with Boston and New York City being particularly notorious for its rat population. These rodents are highly adaptable, consuming a wide variety of foods and living wherever space permits, making it challenging to keep them out of apartments, restaurants, and office spaces. In response to this persistent problem, Boston, New York and other cities have started using dry ice as a new method of extermination. Dry ice, when placed in rat burrows, sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, suffocating the rats. This method aims to combat the rats' notorious ability to evade traditional traps and poisons.

Despite the potential effectiveness of dry ice, its use is not without challenges. Caroline Bragdon, a director at the New York City's health department, emphasized that dry ice is not a standalone solution. Effective use requires multiple applications over time to ensure thorough extermination. The process involves placing dry ice in burrows, covering them to allow the gas to asphyxiate the rats, and potentially repeating the process to address any surviving rats.

The use of dry ice for rodent control has a complex history. Invented in 1835 by Adrien-Jean-Pierre Thilorier, dry ice only recently gained traction as a rat control method. Cities like Boston and Washington, D.C. sought approval to use dry ice in 2016 but were initially blocked by the EPA, as it did not recognize dry ice as a rodenticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). However, due to persistent rat problems exacerbated by warm summers and food waste, the EPA has since allowed the development and use of Rat Ice by Bell Laboratories, marking it as the only approved dry ice product for rodent control in the U.S.

How Does a Tick Bite?

Spring brings warmer weather, but it also heralds the arrival of ticks, carriers of Lyme disease bacteria, posing a threat to outdoor enthusiasts. Understanding the intricate mechanics of how ticks attach themselves to their hosts reveals their resilience and makes removal more challenging than with mosquitoes. Unlike mosquitoes, ticks don't simply pierce the skin; they employ a complex system of hooks to secure themselves for their extended blood meals.

Ticks possess a sophisticated mouthpart designed for prolonged feeding, resembling a series of hooks that enable them to anchor firmly onto the skin. Their feeding process involves a coordinated effort of these hooks to penetrate the skin, allowing the tick to embed its mouthpart, known as the hypostome, for sustained feeding. Compounds in the tick's saliva facilitate blood pooling under the skin, enabling them to imbibe their meal slowly over several days, in contrast to the swift feeding of mosquitoes.

Removing a tick promptly is crucial to minimize the risk of disease transmission, but their specialized mouthparts can make extraction challenging. Experts advise using fine tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight up, avoiding twisting or jerking motions. Despite concerns about leaving mouthparts behind, experts reassure that these parts are incapable of transmitting disease once detached. Taking preventive measures, such as wearing long clothing and using repellent, remains essential for reducing the risk of tick bites during outdoor activities.

Bats and Mosquito Control

The question of whether bats eat mosquitoes is answered affirmatively - indeed, bats are voracious consumers of these pests. However, attracting bats to your property requires careful consideration. One of the most effective methods involves installing bat houses, providing shelter for bat colonies or individual bats. These structures serve as vital habitats where bats can reside, sleep, and socialize, ultimately aiding in mosquito control efforts.

Check out this link from Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to see how effective bat housing can be implemented as mosquito control. 

To successfully attract bats, certain conditions must be met. A crucial factor is the presence of a nearby water source, such as a creek, lake, or pond, within half a mile of your home. This not only ensures an abundant insect population but also addresses the specific needs of mother bats. Without access to water nearby, attracting a full colony may be challenging, as mother bats are reluctant to venture far from their offspring for extended periods.

While installing bat houses significantly enhances the likelihood of attracting bats, success is not guaranteed. Attracting bats involves a combination of art and science, requiring attention to various factors such as location, habitat suitability, and environmental considerations. By understanding and addressing these requirements, homeowners can create an environment conducive to attracting and retaining bat populations for effective mosquito control.

Which Dog Breeds are High Risk of Tick Infestation

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) suggests that designer dog breeds with curly coats, such as cavapoo, cockapoo, goldendoodle, and cavachons, are particularly prone to tick infestations due to their poodle heritage. Among these breeds, cavapoos exhibit the highest rates of tick infestation, with 5.19% of dogs diagnosed over a five-year period. Standard poodles were ranked second-most at risk, indicating a correlation between curly-haired breeds and susceptibility to ticks.

Here’s a list of the breeds with the highest rates of tick infestations over a five-year period:

• Goldendoodle and standard poodle - 5.14%
• Cairn terrier - 5.09%
• Cockapoo - 4.79%
• Miniature schnauzer - 4.38%
• Cavachon - 4.29%

The study also highlights that designer breeds overall have 1.81 times the risk of tick infestation compared to crossbred dogs. This increased vulnerability underscores the importance of tick prevention measures for owners of designer breeds, as ticks can transmit serious diseases while living in woodland, grassland, and areas with abundant wildlife. The findings serve as a valuable resource for dog owners and veterinarians in identifying breeds at higher risk of tick infestation and implementing proactive measures to protect canine companions from these parasites and associated health risks.

Natural vs Synthetic - Tick and Mosquito Control

In the realm of tick control, professionals weigh the merits of botanical versus conventional treatments. The consensus suggests maintaining a diverse toolkit, as both approaches have their place in effective pest management strategies. According to the PCT 2020 State of the Tick Control Market survey, the majority of pest management professionals rely on appropriately labeled insecticides as the primary method for tick control, integrated within comprehensive pest management programs.

Botanical solutions, such as cedar oil-based products, have gained traction among some pest control professionals in Essex County Massachusetts. They cite successes with these organic treatments, highlighting their efficacy when combined with meticulous application methods and habitat modification practices. Embracing a sustainable ethos, they prioritize environmental considerations alongside pest management goals, recognizing the appeal of eco-friendly options to clients.

On the other hand, proponents of conventional treatments, advocate for synthetic pyrethroids. They emphasize the importance of using products with lasting residual effects, ensuring prolonged protection against ticks and other pests. While acknowledging the appeal of botanical alternatives for environmentally conscious clients, they underscore the necessity of prioritizing effectiveness in pest control solutions. Additionally, they stress the significance of responsible application practices to minimize environmental impact, especially in regions abundant with bodies of water.

Lyme Vaccine For Humans

The availability of tick medications for dogs far surpasses that for humans, with numerous options including vaccines and oral/topical treatments. Safety concerns and doubts about public acceptance have hampered the development of such drugs for people, despite the increasing incidence of tick-borne illnesses. However, ongoing research is exploring new options, with several Lyme prevention drugs currently in human clinical trials.

The only human vaccine for Lyme disease, Lymerix, was available in the late 1990s but was withdrawn due to reports of side effects, notably arthritis. Recent vaccine developments target the same OspA protein found in existing dog vaccines, with clinical trials underway by pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Valneva, and Moderna.

In addition to vaccines, oral and topical medications called acaricides are used for tick prevention in dogs. While proven safe for dogs, their suitability for humans is being investigated, with one drug, lotilaner, showing promise in early clinical trials for human use. However, concerns remain about the widespread acceptance of such medications among the human population.

Despite promising results in initial trials, it will be several years before these medications undergo FDA review. Public perception will also play a significant role in their adoption. While progress is being made in bridging the gap between tick prevention options for animals and humans, challenges remain in ensuring both safety and widespread acceptance of these medications

Are You an Automatic Static Tick Magnet?

Ever get the feeling that you are a magnet to certain unwanted pests? Pest like mosquitoes and ticks. Are you pursued by that one yellow jacket hornet that's honed in on that scrumptious plate of blueberry pie at your annual summer barbecue?  Well there might be something to that... especially when it comes to ticks.

Doctoral students, Sam England and Katie L. Lihou, at the University of Bristol, embarked on a unique endeavor to collect ticks by harnessing the static electric fields naturally produced by animals, including humans. Their collaborative project, published in Current Biology, sheds light on how ticks can be physically drawn onto hosts through static electricity, potentially making it easier for them to latch onto their prey. While this discovery adds to the alarming traits of ticks, it also opens avenues for improving antistatic tick defenses.

The researchers conducted controlled experiments to mimic the conditions ticks encounter while questing for a blood meal. Placing ticks on grounding plates and applying electrical charges revealed that ticks are pulled upward against gravity toward the electrode, demonstrating their responsiveness to electric fields. Computer modeling further illustrated how static charges from passing animals, such as cows, could exert significant attractive force on ticks searching for hosts, even from a few millimeters away.

Despite the intriguing findings, further research is needed to validate the role of static electricity in the tick life cycle outside the laboratory. While the results are promising, confirmation with live hosts in natural settings is essential. Dr. England suggests future experiments involving sheep treated with antistatic spray to explore the practical implications of their discovery. Overall, this study highlights the potential impact of static electricity on tick behavior and underscores the importance of understanding the intricate dynamics between pests and their hosts.

Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes

The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project is set to utilize helicopter spraying to combat mosquito larvae in wetland areas of Wayland, Massachusetts. The project will employ the biological larvicide Bti, containing bacteria that target and kill mosquito larvae while being relatively non-toxic to other organisms. Scheduled between April 16 and April 24, the spraying aims to reduce mosquito populations and mitigate the risks of mosquito-borne illnesses in the region.

Residents are assured that the treatment poses minimal risk, and no special precautions are necessary. While traditional pesticide spraying methods are often employed by municipal governments, concerns over their effectiveness, environmental impact, and potential health risks, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, have prompted alternative approaches to mosquito control.

Residents have the option to request exclusion from wide-area pesticide applications through the Department of Agriculture, though emergency spraying may still occur in public health hazard situations. Excluded properties should be clearly marked, and residents can expect to be notified if spraying takes place. Requesting exclusion provides a means for residents to voice their concerns and protest against potentially harmful pesticide spraying practices.

Tick Prevention - Ant Pheromones

Researchers at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, have discovered that certain species of ticks, including those that spread Lyme Disease, are repelled by pheromones emitted by ants. These findings have prompted efforts to synthesize these ant excretions and develop them into tick repellents. Unlike traditional tick sprays like DEET or Citronella, the scent derived from ant pheromones is virtually imperceptible to humans.

The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, focused on how ticks avoid predation by common enemies like ants, spiders, and beetles. Researchers found that ticks retreat upon detecting chemicals left behind by these predators. Further investigation honed in on pheromones produced by ants due to their extensive use of chemical communication within social colonies.

After identifying the specific pheromones that deter ticks, researchers collaborated with chemists to produce synthetic versions. These synthetic ant scents proved effective in repelling ticks, potentially offering a novel approach to tick control. The team envisions incorporating these pheromones into spray-on repellents or environmental barriers to combat tick-borne diseases.

While there's no set timeline for the release of tick sprays containing synthetic ant pheromones, the researchers have filed a provisional patent and are working with industrial partners to bring the product to market. They are also exploring the possibility of combining ant pheromones with other repellent compounds for enhanced effectiveness. Interestingly, some bird species engage in "anting," a behavior where they use dead ants to deter parasites, suggesting that the concept of utilizing ant pheromones for pest control extends beyond human applications.

Tick Tick Boom - An Explosion in Tick Populations

Tick encounters have become increasingly common, with the 2023 season marking a significant uptick (no pun intended) in the number of encounters reported across various states in the Northeast and Midwest. aFactors contributing to this surge include climate change, habitat encroachment, and the inadvertent transportation of ticks across borders. The mild winters and extended warm seasons provide ideal conditions for tick breeding and survival, leading to longer and more intense tick seasons. Additionally, urban sprawl and habitat fragmentation disrupt natural ecosystems, creating environments conducive to tick proliferation. 

As we have experienced in Massachusetts this year and in previous years, warmer winters are becoming the norm and climate change is emerging as a primary driver behind the escalating tick populations. Warmer temperatures/altered precipitation patterns not only extend the geographic range of native ticks but also facilitate the migration of tick species previously confined to warmer regions (i.e. the Lone Star Tick). Vegetation growth spurred by climate shifts attracts more host animals like deer and mice, providing ample blood meals for ticks and enhancing their reproductive success. Consequently, ticks thrive in environments where they previously struggled to survive, posing increased risks to human health.

To mitigate the risks of tick-borne diseases, individuals are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing into tick-prone areas. Strategies include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, and employing high-heat drying methods to remove ticks from clothing. Staying on designated trails during hikes can also reduce the likelihood of encountering ticks. Despite the challenges posed by the expanding tick populations, proactive measures can help minimize human exposure and prevent tick-borne illnesses.