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Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Department Entomology, 1991 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1000 Mosquitoes HYG-2058-98 William F. Lyon Richard L. Berry Michael F. Collart There are about 60 different species of mosquito in Ohio. Several of them are capable of transmitting serious, possibly even fatal diseases, such as mosquito-borne encephalitis and malaria to humans. Even in the absence of disease transmission, mosquito bites can result in allergic reactions producing significant discomfort and itching. In some cases excessive scratching can lead to bleeding, scabbing, and possibly even secondary infection. Children are very susceptible to this because they find it difficult to stop scratching. Frequently, they are outside playing and do not realize the extent of their exposure until it is too late. Female mosquitoes can produce a painful bite during feeding, and, in excessive numbers, can inhibit outdoor activities and lower property values. Mosquitoes can be a significant burden on animals, lowering productivity and efficiency of farm animals. Identification Adult mosquitoes are small, fragile insects with slender bodies; one pair of narrow wings (tiny scales are attached to wing veins); and three pairs of long, slender legs. They vary in length from 3/16 to 1/2 inch. Mosquitoes have an elongate "beak" or piercing proboscis. Eggs are elongate, usually about 1/40 inch long, and dark brown to black near hatching. Larvae or "wigglers" are filter feeders that move with an S-shaped motion. Larvae undergo four growth stages called instars before they molt into the pupa or "tumbler" stage. Pupae are comma-shaped and nonfeeding and appear to tumble through the water when disturbed.
Life Cycle, Habits and Diseases Carried Mosquitoes may overwinter as eggs, fertilized adult females or larvae. Eggs, larvae, and pupae must have water to develop. Some female mosquitoes lay their eggs directly on the water surface. Others lay their eggs on substrates above the water line (flood pool mosquitoes); the eggs hatch upon flooding. In some cases, the eggs will remain viable for several years until further flooding occurs. Mosquitoes belonging to the genus Culex lay their eggs in bunches or "rafts." Each raft may contain up to 400 individual eggs. Larvae feed on bits of organic matter dispersed in the water, becoming full grown in about one week. The pupal stage lasts two to three days. Female mosquitoes are ready to bite one to two days after adult emergence. Male mosquitoes do not bite but feed on flower nectar or plant juices. Some mosquitoes have only one generation per year, whereas others may have four or more. Adults may fly 5 to 10 miles, but usually rest in grass, shrubbery or other foliage close to the water breeding area. Mosquitoes may transmit diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and malaria to humans. Mosquito-borne encephalitis is a viral inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis can infect humans, horses, and a variety of other mammals and birds. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), although very rare is frequently fatal. A small rural outbreak in late 1991 resulted in more than 20 farm animal fatalities, most of which were horses. Transmission of the disease occurs when an infected mosquito takes a blood meal. Birds serve as natural hosts for EEE and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE). St. Louis encephalitis, like EEE is an epidemic disease, meaning that it is usually rare. It can be absent from an area for several years and then reoccur suddenly without warning. LaCrosse encephalitis (LAC) is the third type found in Ohio. It is considered endemic to Ohio and occurs year after year at low levels. Ohio has more recorded cases of this disease than my other state. LaCrosse encephalitis is the least severe of the three types of mosquito-borne encephalitis that are found in Ohio, and occurs most
often in children. Small woodland mammals, such as chipmunks and squirrels serve as the natural host for the
virus, however LAC virus can also be passed, transovarially, from mother mosquito to her offspring.
Mosquitoes can also transmit filariasis (heartworm) to animals. Dog heartworm is the most significant of these,
however in some areas, veterinarians are beginning to see more heartworm in cats.
Common Name Scientific Name Importance
Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus LAC, EEE, SLE, Pest
(banded spring mosquito) Aedes canadensis LAC, Pest
Eastern Treehole Mosquito Aedes triseriatus LAC
(flood-water mosquito) Aedes tivittatus Pest
Vexans Mosquito Aedes vexans Pest
Common Malaria Mosquito Anopheles quadrimaculatus Malaria, Pest
Cattail Mosquito Coquillettidia perturbans EEE, Pest
Northern House Mosquito Culex pipiens SLE
Key:
LAC = LaCrosse Encephalitis
EEE = Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis
SLE = St. Louis Encephalitis
Control Measures
What Doesn't Work
There have been a number of natural and man-made mosquito repellents, attractants, and predators touted as
effective against mosquitoes. In truth, they don't do much good and cannot be used to effectively control
mosquitoes.
A company has been marketing a "mosquito repellent plant" that produces citronella and consequently repels
mosquitoes. Citronella oil is produced by a number of different plants. At relatively high concentration,
Citronella oil is repellent to mosquitoes. Thus far, there does not appear to be adequate scientific literature to
substantiate the claim that enough Citronella is released by a stationary plant to repel mosquitoes. Most likely
the plant would have to be physically damaged in order to release enough citronella to repel mosquitoes and the
effect would be very short lived.
Dietary studies indicate that mosquitoes are insignificant in the purple martin diet. Studies of bat stomach
contents show beetles as the dominant food. Ultraviolet or black lights and sonic devices indicate ineffective
control.
Prevention
Since most of the mosquitoes that transmit encephalitis will not travel very far, the risk of contracting
encephalitis can be minimized by controlling the mosquito breeding sites which are in close proximity to your
home. Water management, to prevent mosquito breeding, is essential for control. Eggs do not hatch unless they
are in water. Remove old tires, buckets, tin cans, glass jars, broken toys and other water-catching devices.
Change water in bird baths and wading pools once or twice a week; clean out roof gutters holding stagnant
water; and place tight covers over cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, barrels, and tubs where water is stored.
Never over-apply lawn and garden irrigation; fill, drain or treat tree holes; and drain or fill stagnant water pools,
puddles, ditches, or swampy areas. Inspect water in plant containers, water-holding stumps, keep grass mowed around bodies of water, stock ponds and reservoirs with fish. Ohio Department of Natural Resources is discouraging the release of fish such as Gambusia since they are not indigenous to Ohio. Use adequate screens with 16 x 16 or 14 x 18 mesh on windows and doors. Screen doors should open outward and close automatically. Repellents Repellents applied to the skin and clothing will prevent mosquito bites for one to five hours depending on the person, type, and number of mosquitoes and the type and percent of active ingredient in the repellent. Repellents are available as aerosol sprays, pump sprays, creamsticks, lotions, or foams. N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (Deet) is very effective and widely used as a repellent but it should not be used indiscriminately as severe allergies can develop. Formulations containing high concentrations of Deet, 50% or more, should not be used on children. Formulations containing 5 to 10% Deet will work just as well as those containing 90% or more, however, they will not last as long. Avon Skin-So-Soft has been widely used as a mosquito "repellent" for a number of years without being labeled. Avon Products, Inc. has recently obtained EPA approval and is now marketing some of its Skin-So-Soft products for use as a mosquito repellent. Indoor Control Space sprays or aerosol "bombs," containing synergized pyrethrins 0.1%, are effective against adult mosquitoes. Frequent treatments may be needed during problem periods. Outdoor control Adulticides Space sprays or aerosol foggers, containing pyrethrins, will give rapid knockdown of adult mosquitoes. However, it is a temporary treatment with little residual effect. Residual sprays applied to tall grasses, weeds, trees, shrubs, and outbuildings, one to two days before use of the area, is effective. Use water solution or emulsions instead of oil-based formulations to prevent plant injury. Some insecticides registered for residual mosquito control include: carbaryl (Sevin), chlorpyrifos (Dursban) and malathion. There are a number of different formulations available. Follow specific label directions when applying. Note: Malathion and carbaryl (Sevin) are extremely toxic to honey bees. Do not spray plants when in bloom. Mow weedy areas before treatment. Bee losses are minimized by spraying late in the afternoon when bees are gone or when temperatures are below 45 deg F. Malathion and methoxychlor are highly toxic to fish. Larvicides Homeowners may apply Mosquito Dunks (made with Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. israelensis or B.t.i.) to kill mosquito larvae in the water. This natural ingredient is harmless to other living things and is biodegradable. (Summit Chemical Co. 800-227-8664). Methoprene (Altosid XR) is another safe material for control of mosquito larvae. It is an insect hormone which retards the development of larvae ( disrupts molting) and prevents mosquitoes from developing into adults (Clarke Mosquito Control Products, Inc. 800-323 -5727).
Altosid XR Briquets can be placed even on ice for season-long control. Treat swamps, ponds, and marsh areas in early spring before thawing. These extended-release briquets will provide up to 150 days of uninterrupted mosquito control once they hit the water. It can be applied by hand and the product is labeled for use in known fish habitats. NOTE: Disclaimer - This publication may contain pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.
Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Entomology 1991 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1000 Chiggers HYG-2100-98 William F. Lyon Probably no creature on earth can cause as much torment for its size than the tiny chigger. Tiny six- legged chigger larvae attack campers, picnickers, hikers, bird watchers, berry pickers, fishermen, soldiers, and homeowners in low, damp areas where vegetation is rank such as woodlands, berry patches, orchards, along lakes and streams, and even in drier places where vegetation is low such as lawns, golf courses, and parks. They are most numerous in early summer when grass, weeds and other vegetation are heaviest. Chiggers do not burrow into the skin, but insert their mouthparts in a skin pore or hair follicle. Their bites produce small, reddish welts on the skin accompanied by intense itching as irritating as acute cases of poison ivory or poison sumac. These Common Name Scientific Name symptoms often are the only way of learning that an outdoor area is infested since chiggers are so small that Chigger Trombicula alfreddugesi (Oudemans) most cannot be seen without a magnifying glass. Jigger Chiggers feed on a wide variety of snakes, turtles, Red Bug birds, and small mammals as well as humans. Identification Chigger mites are about 1/20 inch long, usually bright red, have hairy bodies, and travel rapidly. The larval stage has three pairs of legs whereas the nymph and adult stage have four pairs of legs. There is a marked constriction in the front part of the body in the nymph and adult stage. Larvae are orange, yellow or light red and about 1/150 to 1/120 inch in diameter. Eggs are globular-shaped.
Life Cycle and Habits Adult chiggers overwinter near or slightly below the soil and in other protected places. Females become active in the spring and lay up to 15 eggs per day in vegetation when soil temperatures are 60°F. Eggs hatch into six- legged larvae, the only stage that attacks humans and animals (parasitic stage). After hatching, chigger larvae climb up onto vegetation from which they can more readily snag a passing host. After engorgement, often requiring one to several days, larvae drop off the host and transform into eight-legged nymphs which mature to the adult stage. Nymphs and adults feed on eggs of springtails, isopods, and mosquitoes. The life cycle is about 50 to 70 days, with adult females living up to one year and producing offspring during this time. Multiple generations occur in warmer climates, whereas only two to three develop each season in some northern states. Chiggers are usually encountered in late spring and summer in areas where weeds and briars have overgrown. They lurk on grass stems, leaves, shrubbery, etc., usually in damp, shaded spots near the top of different objects close to the soil. Young chiggers attach themselves to the skin of people, domestic animals, wild animals (including reptiles), poultry and birds. The preferred feeding locations on people are parts of the body where clothing fits tightly over the skin such as around the belt line, waistline, under girdles and under socks, or where the flesh is thin, tender or wrinkled such as the ankles, in the armpits, back of the knees, in front of the elbow, or in the groin. Bites Chigger larvae do not burrow into the skin, nor suck blood. They pierce the skin and inject into the host a salivary secretion containing powerful, digestive enzymes that break down skin cells that are ingested (tissues become liquefied and sucked up). Also, this digestive fluid causes surrounding tissues to harden, forming a straw-like feeding tube of hardened flesh (stylostome) from which further, partially-digested skin cells may be sucked out. After a larva is fully fed in four days, it drops from the host, leaving a red welt with a white, hard central area on the skin that itches severely and may later develop into dermatitis. Any welts, swelling, itching, or fever will usually develop three to six hours after exposure and may continue a week or longer. If nothing is done to relieve itching, symptoms may continue a week or more. Scratching a bite may break the skin, resulting in secondary infections. However, chiggers are not known to transmit any disease in this country. Control Measures Skin Care After returning from a chigger-infested area, launder the field clothes in soapy, hot water (125°F.) for about half an hour. Infested clothes should not be worn again until they are properly laundered and/or exposed to hot sunshine. Unlaundered clothes or those laundered in cool water will contain the biting chiggers to again reinfest your skin. As soon as possible, take a good hot bath or shower and soap repeatedly. The chiggers may be dislodged, but you will still have the stylostomes, causing the severe itch. Scratching deep to remove stylostomes can cause secondary infections. For temporary relief of itching, apply ointments of benzocaine, hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, New Skin, After Bite, or others recommended by your pharmacist or medical doctor. Some use Vaseline, cold cream, baby oil, or fingernail polish. (The sooner the treatment, the better the results.) Prevention Mowing of briars, weeds, and thick vegetation and close clipping of lawns, to eliminate shade and moisture, will reduce chigger populations, and permit sunlight and air to circulate freely. Chigger larvae can penetrate
many types of clothing, but high boots and trousers of tightly woven fabric tucked into stockings or boots help deter them. Before going into an area where chiggers may be present, protect yourself by using a repellent such as deet (Off MGK, Muskol, Detamide, Metadelphene, Repel, Diethy-toluamide) or permethrin available at many drugstores or hardware stores. Deet-based repellents are effective for only a few hours, whereas permethrin-based repellents are for use only on clothing and effective for several days. Apply the repellent to both the skin and clothing, especially on hands, arms, or legs, if uncovered, and to clothing openings at cuffs, neck, waistband, and upper edges of socks. Follow label directions since repellents may damage plastics, nail polish, and painted or varnished surfaces. Do not use indiscriminately as severe human allergies can develop. Keep moving since the worst chigger infestations occur when sitting or laying down in a sunny spot at midday with temperatures above 60°F. If possible, stick to roads and trails. Insecticides Treating known chigger trouble spots is quicker and less expensive than treating an entire area. Place six-inch squares of black cardboard on edge in the grass and observe for a few minutes. Any small, yellowish or pinkish chiggers present will climb rapidly to the top of the square and congregate there. Make tests in 10 to 12 different spots such as grass, dead leaves, briars, weeds, etc. Unless the entire area is infested, treat only the spots where control is desired such as grass around picnic tables, lawn chairs, or recreational equipment. Chiggers tend to concentrate in "mite islands" while nearby spots are free of them. They become rather inactive at temperatures below 60°F. Outdoor sprays of chlorpyrifos (Dursban), carbaryl (Sevin) or diazinon will give control. Only the licensed pest control operator or applicator can use certain formulations of propoxur (Baygon), cyfluthrin (Tempo), or fluvalinate (Marvik, Yardex). Treat the grass, shrubs, and trees in lawns, parks, campgrounds and golf courses, if needed, keeping humans and pets off treated areas until dry. Retreatment may be needed after two to three weeks in heavy chigger infestations. Before using any pesticide, always read the label and follow directions and safety precautions. Do not wear dog or cat flea collars on your ankles or cattle ear tags on your shoes to ward off chiggers. It is very dangerous resulting in chemical skin burns and toxic effect to the wearers. NOTE: Disclaimer - This publication may contain pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations. All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension. TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
| Ohioline | Search | Fact Sheets | Bulletins |
Entomology, 1991 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210 HYG-2073-07
Ticks
Susan C. Jones Richard E. Gary Jr., Mary K. Daniels, and Steve W. Chordas III
Associate Professor of Entomology Public Health Entomologists
Extension Specialist, Household & Structural Pests Ohio Department of Health, Zoonotic Disease Program
Ohio State University Extension 8955 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Important Tick Species in Ohio
T welve species of ticks are known to occur in Ohio. The
brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is the only
species that can become established as a pest in homes Brown Dog Tick
and kennels. Three tick species are medically important (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
because they are disease vectors: the American dog tick, The adult brown dog tick is reddish brown. Unfed adults
Dermacentor variabilis; the lone star tick, Amblyomma are about 1/8 inch long. After feeding, the female is much
americanum; and the blacklegged tick (also commonly larger (~1/2 inch long), bluish gray, and oval shaped. All
called the ‘deer tick’), Ixodes scapularis. The remaining tick stages of the brown dog tick have a pair of small eyes.
species are rarely encountered. All ticks are parasites that Unlike other tick species, the brown dog tick can com-
feed on the blood of animals. plete its entire life cycle indoors. The brown dog tick is well
adapted to survive in the warm, dry conditions inside and
Identification outside home environments. These ticks do not thrive in
Not all ticks cause human disease, so it is important to wooded areas. Nonetheless, they may occur in grassy and
properly identify the tick species when determining dis- bushy areas adjacent to homes and kennels, roadsides, and
ease risk. Many of the species in Ohio, including the three footpaths.
of medical importance, are hard ticks. They are called hard Brown dog ticks rarely attack humans. Rather, dogs
ticks because they possess a scutum (hard plate) on their are their preferred host. All stages of the brown dog tick
upper surface just behind the mouthparts. The scutum feed on dogs and they may attach anywhere on its body.
covers almost the entire upper surface of the adult male
whereas it covers only the front portion of the female. Soft
ticks lack a scutum. In Ohio, soft ticks are not pests of
humans.
Tick adults and nymphs have eight legs whereas the
larvae (first stage) have six. Adult ticks often have dis-
tinct characteristics and markings, but immature stages
are completely tan or brown and difficult to identify to
species. All stages are round to oval shaped; they are flat-
tened prior to obtaining a blood meal. The adult female
greatly increases in size after feeding but adult males do
not. Nymphs become engorged, but they are much smaller Brown dog tick adult male (left) and female (right).
than the adults. (Photo by J. F. Butler, courtesy of University of Florida)
Copyright © 2007, The Ohio State UniversityTicks—page 2
However, adult ticks typically attach on the dog’s ears and The adult male obtains a brief blood meal then mates
between its toes, whereas larvae (seed ticks) and nymphs with the female on the host. The adult female feeds for 7
typically attach on the dog’s back. After feeding, they drop to 10 days then she drops to the ground and remains there
off the host but do not travel far. Brown dog ticks can com- for several days before laying several thousand eggs. The
plete a generation in approximately 60 days with optimal female dies shortly thereafter. The male remains on the
temperatures and readily available dog hosts. host and continues to feed and mate for the rest of the
Brown dog ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted season until his death.
fever and several other disease organisms to dogs. American dog ticks are the primary transmitter of
Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They also may transmit
American Dog Tick tularemia. The bite of the American dog tick also may
(Dermacentor variabilis) cause tick paralysis in dogs and humans.
The adult American dog tick is brown with light grey
mottling on the upper surface. The unfed adult female is Lone Star Tick
about 3/16 inches long. After feeding, she is much larger (Amblyomma americanum)
(~5/8 inches long), mostly gray, and oval shaped. The The unfed adult female is about 1/8 inch long, brown,
male, whether fed or unfed, is ~1/8 inch long. All stages of with a distinctive silvery spot on the upper surface (hence
the American dog tick have a pair of very small eyes. the name ‘lone star’). Once fed, the female is almost circu-
American dog ticks occur primarily in overgrown va- lar in shape and ~7/16 inch long. The male tick is about
cant lots, fallow farm fields, weedy roadsides, and edges 1/8 inch long, brown, with whitish marking along the rear
of paths and hiking trails. The immature stages of this edge. All stages have a pair of small eyes.
species feed on rodents and other small mammals. Unfed Lone star ticks are common in the southern half of
larvae and nymphs crawl about actively seeking a host. Af- Ohio. All stages can be found throughout the warm
ter feeding, larvae and nymphs drop to the ground where months of the year. This species typically occurs in shady
they seek shelter and digest the blood meal before molting locations along roadsides and meadows and near the edg-
(shedding the skin). es of wooded areas. All stages crawl to the tip of low grow-
Adults of the American dog tick are most abundant from ing vegetation and wait for a host to pass by. All stages
mid-April to mid-July. Adult ticks feed on a wide variety of feed on a variety of bird and mammal hosts, including
medium to large size mammals, such as raccoons, ground humans.
hogs, opossum, dogs, and humans. The adult tick waits Lone star ticks are the primary transmitter of human
on grass and weeds for a suitable host to brush against the monocytic ehrlichiosis (anaplasmosis). They also may
vegetation. It then clings to the fur or clothing and crawls transmit tularemia and Q-fever. This species is a minor
upward seeking a place to attach and feed. vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Various stages of the American dog tick: larva, nymph, adult Various stages of the lone star tick: nymph, adult female,
female, adult male (counterclockwise from upper right; adult male (counterclockwise from upper right;
sesame seed shown for size comparison). sesame seed for size comparison).
(Photo by Kent Loeffler, courtesy of Cornell University) (Photo by Kent Loeffler, courtesy of Cornell University)
Copyright © 2007, The Ohio State UniversityTicks—page 3
Blacklegged Tick The risk of infection by tick-borne disease agents is of
(Ixodes scapularis) primary concern. Humans and dogs can become infected
The larval stage of the blacklegged tick is about the size with causal agents of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme
of a poppy seed and nearly translucent, which makes it disease, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and babesiosis among oth-
extremely difficult to see. The nymphal stage is translucent ers. If you experience fever or flu-like symptoms follow-
to slightly gray or brown. Adult males are ~1/16 inch long; ing a tick bite, immediately contact your physician. It is
unfed females are larger (~1/8 inch long). Both sexes are a important to receive the appropriate antibiotics as soon
dark chocolate brown color, but the rear half of the adult as possible.
female is red or orange. When fed, they may appear gray. Dogs that become infected with a tick-borne disease
All stages lack eyes. may become lethargic and anemic; they may quit eating
Blacklegged ticks are found mostly in or near forested and lose weight; in some cases, they may become lame. A
areas. The immature stages of this species feed on birds, dog with such symptoms should be examined by a veteri-
rodents (mice, voles, chipmunks, squirrels, etc.) and other narian.
small to medium size mammals such as dogs, raccoons,
opossum, etc. Adult blacklegged ticks feed on large mam- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
mals, most commonly white-tailed deer. Hence, some peo- American dog ticks are the primary transmitter of
ple call them ‘deer ticks’. All stages may attach to humans. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is one of the most
The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), the principal common tick-transmitted diseases in Ohio. Symptoms of
vector of Lyme disease, is rare in Ohio. The most com- Rocky Mountain spotted fever appear 3 to 12 days after
monly encountered Ixodes tick in Ohio is the groundhog tick feeding and typically include sudden high fever, head-
tick, Ixodes cookei, which does not transmit Lyme disease. ache, and aching muscles. On the second or third day of
There are many other Ixodes ticks in the United States and the fever, a non-itchy rash may develop on the wrists and
only an expert can identify them to species. ankles. The rash soon spreads to other parts of the body
In addition to transmitting Lyme disease, blacklegged including the torso, palms, and soles. This disease rapidly
ticks are the principal vectors of babesiosis and human progresses and can cause death if not treated with the ap-
granulocytic ehrlichiosis. This tick species may be co- propriate antibiotics. Most fatalities can be attributed to
infected with several disease agents. a delay in seeking medical attention. Early treatment of
spotted fever typically results in rapid recovery.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease
of humans in the United States with approximately 10,000
cases reported annually. This bacterial disease is named
after Lyme, Connecticut, where cases were first reported in
1975. The nymphal stage of the blacklegged tick is usually
responsible for transmitting Lyme disease to humans.
Blacklegged ticks are very rare in Ohio, and the Lyme
disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, has never been iso-
lated or identified from any animals or ticks in the state.
Nevertheless, 40 to 80 cases of Lyme disease occur annu-
Various stages of the blacklegged tick: nymph, adult female,
ally in Ohio. Some of these cases can be tracked as being
adult male (counterclockwise from upper right;
sesame seed for size comparison). acquired out-of-state. However, it is possible that infected
(Photo by Kent Loeffler, courtesy of Cornell University) nymphs are transported on migratory birds, or black-
legged tick populations may be too low to be detected via
current surveillance efforts, although many hundreds of
Injury animals have been tested in Ohio.
Tick feeding often results in inflammation, swelling,
Be alert for a red, ring-like rash developing at the site
irritation, and the potential for secondary bacterial infec-
of a tick bite within 2 to 32 days, because this ring-rash is
tion at the feeding site. When dogs are heavily infested,
diagnostic for Lyme disease. Note, however, that ~40% of
excessive blood loss can result in death.
infected humans do not develop a ring-rash. Fever, head-
Copyright © 2007, The Ohio State UniversityTicks—page 4
ache, fatigue, or joint pain also may be symptoms of Lyme • Keep dogs confined to your yard or home; do not allow
disease. Immediate antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease them to roam freely.
reduces the risk of neurological, arthritic, or cardiac com- • Keep dogs on a leash and inspect them for ticks after a
plications developing days to years later. walk. Dogs can become infected with tick-borne dis-
eases.
Identification and Disease Testing of Ticks
A FREE service for identification and disease testing of —Tick Checks and Tick Removal
ticks is provided by: • Inspect for ticks periodically (every hour or so if in tick
The Ohio Department of Health habitat and as soon as you leave their habitat) to remove
Zoonotic Disease Program them before they attach and begin feeding. Ticks can be
8955 E. Main St. found crawling on clothing and bare skin before attach-
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 ment. Be sure to also inspect children and companion
Telephone: 614-752-1029 animals.
Fax: 614-644-1057 • Pay special attention to the head and back of the neck
of humans to detect attached ticks.
• Ticks can be identified whether dead or alive, but only
live ticks can be tested for disease. • PROMPTLY REMOVE any ticks. Prompt removal of an
attached tick reduces the chance of infection by Rocky
• Place the live tick in a small, tightly sealed container
Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. Tick attach-
(pill bottle, film container, etc.) or zippered plastic bag,
ment of several hours or more often is required for dis-
along with a few blades of green grass to provide mois-
ease transmission.
ture.
• Take care not to crush or puncture the tick during re-
• Store the tick in a cool place until it can be mailed to the
moval. Rocky Mountain spotted fever may be acquired
above address.
from infected tick body fluids that contact broken skin,
• Prompt mailing of the tick is best. Include a note with the mouth, or eyes. Do NOT use a hot match or cigarette
the collection date and the county where the tick was to remove a tick as this may cause the tick to burst.
found. Indicate whether it was attached to a human or
• Do NOT apply solvents or other materials to the tick
companion animal.
to “stimulate” the tick to detach. Such treatments can
• Contact the Ohio Department of Health’s Zoonotic result in increased tick salivation and disease transmis-
Disease Program (see above) if you have any questions sion.
about ticks and testing available.
• Avoid touching a tick with bare hands. Shield your fin-
gers with a paper towel, wear rubber gloves, or use twee-
Integrated Pest Management Strategies zers.
Prevention and Personal Protection
• Grasp an embedded tick as close to your skin as possible
• Avoid tall grass and weedy areas during tick season, (the area where the tick’s mouthparts enter the skin) and
April through August. use steady pressure to pull it straight out. Do not twist or
• If exposure to a tick-infested area is unavoidable, tuck jerk the tick, as its mouthparts may be left in the skin.
pants into socks or boots. Or use masking tape to wrap • After tick removal, thoroughly disinfect the bite site
the bottom of the pant leg around the top of boots or and wash your hands with soap and water. The feeding
shoes. Such measures provide a physical barrier and lesion should be swabbed with a topical antiseptic to
crawling ticks can be more easily detected. prevent secondary bacterial infection.
• Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to find • As soon as possible, send the live tick for disease testing
crawling ticks. (see above for information regarding this free service
• Apply a tick repellent containing DEET or permethrin provided by the Ohio Department of Health’s Zoonotic
to the socks and pant legs when going into tick habitat. Disease Program).
Do not apply permethrin directly to exposed skin.
Copyright © 2007, The Ohio State UniversityTicks—page 5
Habitat Modification of the wide distribution and movement of most tick spe-
Habitat management is essential for controlling tick cies. The brown dog tick is an exception because of its close
populations. Keep your yard mowed and do not allow proximity to human habitation. Treatment of the premises
brush or leaf litter to accumulate. Tall weeds or grass should outside the home should include grassy and brushy areas
be mowed and brush removed to eliminate the habitat of around outbuildings and kennels, sites where the dog rests,
tick hosts, such as the white-footed mouse, meadow voles, and underneath doghouses where ticks may reside during
and other small mammals. off-host periods.
Pesticide treatments should be preceded by sanitation
Host Removal efforts such as vacuuming and cleaning to remove debris
It is helpful to remove rodents harboring inside or near and as many ticks as possible; this also allows increased
one’s house by using traps or rodenticides. penetration of an insecticide into cracks and crevices. Pes-
ticide application indoors should target areas frequented
Pesticides by the dog, particularly its sleeping and resting sites where
As mentioned above, products containing DEET or ticks are likely to have dropped off. Because ticks hide in
permethrin applied to the socks and pant legs are useful secluded places to molt, it also is critical to treat cracks and
for repelling ticks if you are unable to avoid a tick-infested crevices in the floor and walls, baseboards, window frames,
area. and doorframes; around wall molding and hangings; and
Dogs may be treated for ticks, and products are avail- under carpet edges.
able from your veterinarian. Before using any over-the- The dog should be treated for ticks, preferably by a vet-
counter product, it is recommended that you consult your erinarian, at the same time as the premises, outdoors or
veterinarian. indoors, are being treated. A variety of pesticide products
In areas where it is necessary to control ticks in the are labeled for indoor and outdoor treatment of ticks. For
rodent population, open tubes packed with insecticide- a list of products available for use by homeowners or by
treated cotton and placed at an appropriate density in the commercial pesticide applicators, see http://edis.ifas.ufl.
landscape can be used. Ticks die after contacting treated edu/IG088 [P. G. Koehler and F. M. Oi (2003), Ticks, Uni-
cotton that has been incorporated into rodent nests. versity of Florida Extension, ENY-206].
Outdoor chemical control is largely ineffective because
Visit Ohio State University Extension’s web site “Ohioline” at: http://ohioline.osu.edu
Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by
OSU Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression,
disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, Ohio State University Extension
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868 June 2007—3409
Copyright © 2007, The Ohio State UniversityOhio State University Extension Fact Sheet Entomology 1991 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1000 Domestic Flies HYG-2111-96 William F. Lyon Domestic flies, often called "Filth Flies," are not only a nuisance by their presence, but are important from a human and animal health standpoint. House flies may spread diseases such as conjunctivitis, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, anthrax, leprosy, cholera, diarrhea and dysentery. They may serve as intermediate hosts for parasitic tapeworms on poultry or parasitic roundworms on horses. Certain larvae of blow flies, bottle flies, screwworm flies and flesh flies may feed on dead as well as living tissue of mammals, causing blood poisoning and even death, especially in sheep. Stable flies bite painfully, sucking blood from humans and animals. False stable flies do not bite, but spread certain diseases, whereas the little house fly hovers in mid air in the middle of rooms. House Fly Adults are about 1/6 to 1/4 inch long with reddish- brown eyes. Females are usually larger than males and have wider spacing between the eyes. They have two membranous wings; sponging or non- biting mouthparts; a dull gray body; and four narrow, black-lengthwise stripes on the thorax. Each female, during her three to four weeks of life, lays five to six batches of 75 to 100 small, white,
oval eggs, largely in scattered garbage, that hatch in 12 to 24 hours into creamy white larvae. Larvae grow and pupate in four to seven days, and the last larval skin, which is hard and dark brown, is called a puparium. This stage lasts seven days, and can be the overwintering stage. The life cycle from egg to adult may be from 8 to 12 days in warm weather. A pair of flies beginning operation in April, if all were to live, would result in 191,010,000,000,000,000,000 (191 quintillion 10 quadrillion) flies by August. Allowing 1/8 cubic inch to a fly, this number would cover the earth 47 feet deep. Luckily, predators, parasites and other factors reduce fly populations. When feeding, house flies regurgitate some of their stomach contents on the food, which dissolves it. Then they suck it back into their stomach. They leave fecal deposits where they have walked. While walking and feeding on garbage, fecal material and food, flies may transfer disease organisms from both inside and outside their bodies. The flight range is from 2 to 20 miles. Bottle and Blow Flies Blow flies, sometimes known as green or blue bottle flies, are larger than common house flies. Some are characterized by metallic colors such as black (Phormia), blue (Calliphora) and green or copper (Phaenicia). Adults make a loud, droning buzz. Females lay eggs primarily on confined garbage. These flies are often attracted to dead animals, animal wounds, and feces- caked hair or wool on pets and farm animals. During warm autumn days, adults may gather on door and window screens and later enter homes for overwintering. Larvae are commonly found in garbage wastes and pet droppings. Larval development is completed in less than a week for green or copper blow flies and 10 to 20 days for black or blue blow flies. Larvae of screwworm flies may infest living flesh, especially at wound sites. Green bottle flies are seen on dog feces. The flight range is 3 to 10 miles.
Flesh Fly Adults resemble overgrown house flies with three stripes on the thorax and a checkerboard pattern on their abdomen. Females deposit living maggots rather than eggs in decaying flesh of dead animals and excrement, especially dog stools. The life cycle is about eight days. Black Garbage Fly Adults are shiny black and about 2/3 the size of a house fly. Their life cycle is similar to the house fly. They may become abundant in piles of poultry and dairy cattle manure. The larvae are "beneficial" by preying on other fly larvae, especially the house fly. However, excessive numbers of adults may become annoying. Drone Fly or Syrphid Fly Adults are clothed in dense, short, yellow hairs giving the appearance of a large honey bee. Larvae, known as "Rattailed Maggots," develop in polluted water. The life cycle from egg to adult is about 30 days in the summer with the larval stages lasting about 18 days and the pupal stage about 10 days.
Stable Fly Adults resemble house flies except for the slender, pointed, sharp beak used to pierce skin and suck blood. Bites are painful. These flies may transmit anthrax and possibly infantile paralysis, leprosy, surra and swamp fever. Normally an outdoor fly, it attacks any warmblooded animal from rats to humans. Females lay four to five batches of eggs, each containing 100 to 150 eggs, in rotting straw; stable manure; moist, spilled feed; piles of lawn clippings; and piles of dead weeds washed along streams. The life cycle is about three weeks; both males and females suck blood. False Stable Fly Adults are similar to house flies, slightly larger and have a red mark on the back. They have sponging mouthparts, with females depositing eggs in animal manure, human excrement, tainted meals and decaying organic matter. Eggs develop into larvae that require 15 to 25 days to mature. Adults can transmit filth-related diseases. Little House Fly Adults are similar to house flies except they are smaller - 1/8 to 3/16 inch long. They have sponging mouthparts and feed on liquids. Male flies are usually seen in homes, where they hover in the middle of rooms. Females lay eggs in semiliquid organic matter such as animal and human excrement. The life cycle requires about 24 days.
Control Measures In order to successfully control flies, one must first collect fly specimens and have them correctly identified. Proper identification will aid in determining the fly biology and potential breeding sites. Collect several specimens and submit to your local Ohio State University Extension office located in each of Ohio's 88 counties. Also, the C. Wayne Ellett Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic on the OSU campus charges a fee for specimen identification. A community educational program plus the services of a licensed pest control applicator are needed in neighborhoods with widespread fly problems. Preventative Sanitation is the most effective and important step in controlling flies. All outside trash areas must be kept clean. Garbage should be drained and wrapped in plastic bags before being placed in trash receptacles or dumpsters outdoors. By placing garbage in bags, odors will be reduced, therefore attracting fewer egg-laying flies. (Reduce attractive odors by routinely scraping out and thoroughly cleaning food residues from garbage containers.) Use garbage cans with tight fitting lids lined inside with plastic bags. Locate the garbage cans or trash receptacles as far away from the house or building as possible to reduce nuisance flies nearby. Dispose of garbage at least twice weekly at a regular landfill, by incineration or burying in the soil, if local health regulations permit. Eliminate all potential breeding materials such as rotting straw or mulch, manure, garbage and animal excrement. Avoid damp pet foods left outdoors for several days. Eliminate carcasses of dead animals and birds. Any potential breeding material should be spread out thinly in the field and allowed to dry to prevent fly development. Dispose of piles of old, wet, lawn clippings, leaves, manure stacks, old wet hay or straw bales and other such debris. Waste piles can be covered with black plastic which will heat the organic matter, destroying fly development. Use adequate screens of 10 mesh on windows and doors to prevent fly entry or 18 mesh to exclude mosquito-size flies. Screen doors should open outward and have fitted springs for tight closing. A double set of doors is best where adult fly populations are heavy. If doors are opened constantly, use an air stream with a velocity of 1,600 feet per minute or more. Bead curtains are an alternative to screens in areas of heavy traffic. Beads should be oval with each string's beads offset from the next string so that the beads fit into each other's contours, eliminating gaps. Beads have been used in the past to brush flies off people and pets.
Drain wet, low areas by using clean gravel and other fill. Eliminate any standing surface water through proper surface grade and tiling if needed. It is best and cheapest economically to replace a 100 watt mercury vapor light (ultra violet energy) with a 50 watt high pressure sodium vapor light or dichrom yellow non- insect attractant light. Place lights away from potential points of fly entry. At picnics and cookouts, keep foods covered and protected from flies until eaten. Remove fermenting overripe fruits from the ground. Flies may move several miles within a day or two, often originating from unsanitary sites. A simple fly swatter or folded newspaper is effective indoors against a few individual flies (thin wire stems and natural fiber head swatters are superior to the plastic ones). Rolls of sticky flypaper are available from most hardware stores. Use on back porches, garages and storage sheds where aesthetics are not of primary importance. Electric light traps are available commercially to capture specimens for identification, reduce some adult fly populations and monitor the effectiveness of control programs. Some traps use bait to attract and capture flies. Insecticides Total reliance on insecticide applications in and around the house often results in failure to produce long-term control results. Constant effort must be made to eliminate and dry out potential fly breeding sites. At times, insecticides may be helpful in reducing heavy nuisance fly populations. Treat outdoor surfaces where flies rest, especially around doors, windows, screens, garbage cans and trash piles with a residual spray of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, labelled insecticide such as chlorpyrifos, permethrin or other synthetic pyrethroids. Indoors, use space sprays or aerosols containing synergized pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids labelled for flies in the home. Labelled Insecticides There are many insecticide formulations labelled for fly control. Some are labelled for general use (homeowners) while others are restricted use (licensed pesticide applicators only). General Use insecticides include: diatomaceous earth (Answer) diatomaceous earth + pyrethrins (Organic Plus)
diazinon (Knox Out 2FM)
esfenvalerate (Conquer)
propoxur (Baygon)
pyrethrins (Exciter, Kicker, Microcare, Pyrenone, Pyrethrum, Synerol, Uld, X-
Clude)
resmethrin (Vectrin)
Note: Some formulations of chlorpyrifos (Duration, Dursban, Empire) and permethrin
(Astro, Dragnet, Ectiban, Flee, Permanone, Prelude, Torpedo) are restricted use.
Restricted Use insecticides include:
cyfluthrin (Optem, Tempo)
cypermethrin (Cynoff, Cyper-Active, Demon, Vikor)
deltamethrin (Suspend)
lambdacyhalothrin (Commodore)
tralomethrin (Saga)
Note: Some formulations of methomyl (Flytek) are labelled for outdoor use only while
chlorpyrifos + pyrethrins (Dual Use) and methoxychlor (Marlate) are labelled for animal
quarters use only.
Remember: Before using any insecticide, always read and follow label directions and
safety precautions (the label is the law).
Again in some cases, heavy fly populations are best controlled by a licensed pesticide
applicator or professional pest control firm. Homeowners often do not have the
experience, availability of certain insecticides and equipment needed to perform the
control job effectively on certain fly species.
For further Information: Contact your county's office of Ohio State University Extension
located in each of Ohio's 88 counties for the most recent, up-to-date fly control literature
and advice regarding your situation.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard
to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
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