How to collect ticks using a sheet? - briefly
Place a white sheet on the ground and gently pull it over vegetation, then inspect the fabric and remove any attached ticks with fine tweezers. Preserve the collected specimens in a sealed vial containing ethanol for later identification.
How to collect ticks using a sheet? - in detail
Collecting ticks with a sheet requires a systematic approach to maximize capture efficiency while minimizing harm to the insects. Begin by selecting a suitable sheet: a white, low‑gloss, smooth‑surface material measuring at least 30 × 30 cm. The color provides contrast, allowing easy visual detection; the smoothness prevents ticks from adhering prematurely.
Prepare the collection area. Clear leaf litter, grass, and debris from a 1‑meter radius around the sheet. Moisten the ground lightly with water to encourage ticks to move upward, but avoid creating a soggy surface that could drown them. Place the sheet flat on the ground, ensuring no folds or creases that could hide specimens.
Implement a timed sweep protocol:
- Position a handheld brush or soft paintbrush 5 cm above the sheet.
- Gently sweep the brush in a figure‑eight pattern across the entire surface for 30 seconds.
- Observe the sheet continuously; any tick that contacts the surface will remain visible due to the contrasting background.
- Use fine tweezers to transfer each tick into a labeled vial containing 70 % ethanol or a suitable preservation solution.
- Replace the sheet if it becomes soiled; a clean surface maintains visibility and reduces contamination.
Repeat the sweep every 10 minutes during peak activity periods (early morning and late afternoon). Record the number of individuals collected, their developmental stage (larva, nymph, adult), and the exact time of capture. This data supports later analysis of population density and activity patterns.
After the collection session, store vials in a cool, dark environment until laboratory processing. Dispose of the sheet according to laboratory safety guidelines; washing the material with a mild detergent removes residual organic matter, allowing reuse in future surveys.
By adhering to this protocol, researchers obtain reliable tick samples with minimal labor and equipment, facilitating accurate epidemiological assessments.