Abstract
For many years, tick control was based on topical acaricide administration, using similar methodology. Hyalomma lusitanicum is one of the most abundant tick species in the Mediterranean area but no control measures have been specifically developed against it. A previous study has shown the in vitro activity of Oxalic acid (OA) against H. lusitanicum. In this study OA was evaluated to control host seeking adults of H. lusitanicum under field conditions. Two different OA application systems were used. The first system, long hoses attached to a tractor that were used to treat non accessible areas, and the second system was an ultra low volume (ULV) device for applying test materials in tracks, paths and other accessible areas. Different concentrations of OA ranging from 6.3 to 0.5% by hose and 10.0% by ULV applications were tested in this study. Hose application of OA 6.3% was found to be the most effective leading to 77.9 to 100% reduction of the tick population. However, OA 3% achieved 80.9% reduction in tick population. The ULV application of 10.0% OA led a 75.9% reduction in tick population. The ULV method was easy to use and can cover large areas more efficiently.
Highlights
Ticks are blood seeking ectoparasites adapted to very different habitats and hosts
Tick control has been based on similar methodologies as topical acaricide administration in many parts of the world regardless of the tick species and its chronobiology
When oxalic acid was applied by a hose, tick reduction was variable but sometimes the efficacy was even higher than positive control
Summary
Ticks are blood seeking ectoparasites adapted to very different habitats and hosts. The direct impact in animal health is important, the greatest significance of tick infestation is transmission of pathogens to animal and human beings. Ticks are, after mosquitoes, the second most important group of vectors. Tick control has been based on similar methodologies as topical acaricide administration in many parts of the world regardless of the tick species and its chronobiology. In consequence development of acaricide resistances appeared and resulted on a low efficiency of tick control strategies In order to be more efficient, specific control measures should be based on local tick phenology and different modes of acaricide application
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