How to make traps for ticks? - briefly
A basic tick trap uses a flat wooden board, a damp cloth with a few drops of ammonia, and is placed in a shaded, humid area for 24–48 hours. Collected ticks are removed each morning, the components are cleaned, and the trap is reset as needed.
How to make traps for ticks? - in detail
Tick control often relies on passive capture devices that attract and retain questing individuals. Effective devices combine visual cues, carbon dioxide, and a moist surface to lure hosts seeking blood meals.
Materials required:
- One 2‑liter plastic container with lid
- Small piece of fabric or fleece (approx. 10 × 10 cm)
- Cotton balls saturated with yeast‑water solution (1 g yeast per 100 ml water)
- Fine mesh screen (1 mm openings)
- Duct tape or silicone sealant
- Drill with 5 mm bit
Construction steps:
- Create a vent on the container lid using the drill; insert the mesh screen to prevent escape while allowing air exchange.
- Attach the fabric piece to the interior bottom, securing it with tape; the material provides a humid resting area.
- Place the yeast‑water mixture on a small tray inside the container; fermentation releases carbon dioxide, a strong attractant.
- Seal all gaps with duct tape to maintain internal humidity and prevent external wind.
Placement recommendations:
- Position devices in shaded, low‑lying vegetation where tick activity peaks (e.g., leaf litter, tall grass).
- Deploy 5–10 units per 0.5 ha, spaced 10–15 m apart to maximize coverage.
- Install traps at ground level, ensuring the fabric surface remains moist but not saturated.
Maintenance routine:
- Replace yeast‑water solution every 24 hours to sustain carbon dioxide output.
- Check fabric for mold; wash and re‑wet as needed.
- Empty captured ticks weekly, disposing of them according to local health regulations.
Properly constructed and regularly serviced devices reduce tick density by intercepting host‑seeking individuals before they locate human or animal targets.