APPLICATION OF DESICCANT AND INSECTICIDAL SOAP TREATMENTS TO CONTROL IXODES-SCAPULARIS (ACARI, IXODIDAE) NYMPHS AND ADULTS IN A HYPERENDEMIC WOODLAND SITE

The desiccant Drione (1% pyrethrin) and Safer's insecticidal soap (0.2 % pyrethrin) formulated with and without isopropyl alcohol (ROH) were field tested against nymphal and adult populations of bodes scapularis Say in a hyperendemic woodlot in West chester County, New York. Drion e, insecticidal soap, and insecticidal soap with ROH provided equivale nt levels of control for nymphs and adults. Compared with untreated pl ots, nymphal populations were significantly reduced 1 (93.3-100%) and 2 (66.4-85.7%) wk following treatment, and adult populations were sign ificantly reduced 1 wk (53.5-62.9%) following treatment. Factors possi bly contributing to the moderate and shorter period of adult control a re discussed. Drione and insecticidal soap are effective alternatives to residual insecticides and could be an important component of an int egrated tick management program on residential properties in areas whe re Lyme disease is endemic. Both products lack residual activity and w ould require repeated applications to maintain sufficient levels of co ntrol throughout the tick season.