Evaluating the effects of minimal risk natural products for control of the tick, ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2021
Abstract
Knockdown and residual activity of 10 minimal risk natural products (MRNPs), one experimental formulation of nootkatone, and two bifenthrin labels were evaluated against host-seeking nymphal Ixodes scapularis Say using a novel micro-plot product screening system placed in a landscape setting similar to a wooded residential property. The MRNPs evaluated included Tick Stop, EcoPCO EC-X, Met52 EC, CedarCide PCO Choice, EcoEXEMPT IC2, EcoSMART Organic Insecticide, Essentria IC3, privately labeled products 1 and 2 (based on EcoEXEMPT IC2 and sold as a professional pest control application), and Tick Killz. Just the nootkatone and 4 of these 10 products tested (EcoPCO EC-X, Met52 EC, EcoEXEMPT IC2, and Essentria IC3) had statistically significant (P < 0.05) knockdown effects (killed ticks while active in the arenas) when compared to water-only controls, but only 2 of these, EcoPCO EC-X and nootkatone, displayed significant residual tick-killing activity after weathering naturally in the landscape for 2 wk prior to tick application/testing. Moreover, botanical oil-based products with the same active ingredients provided inconsistent results when tested multiple times across study years.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Medical Entomology
Volume
58
Issue
1
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Dyer, Megan C., Matthew D. Requintina, Kathryn A. Berger, Gavino Puggioni, and Thomas N. Mather. "Evaluating the effects of minimal risk natural products for control of the tick, ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae)." Journal of Medical Entomology 58, 1 (2021): 390-397. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjaa188.
