How to treat plants against ticks? - briefly
Effective control of tick populations on vegetation involves applying «acaricide» sprays such as permethrin or bifenthrin at label‑recommended rates, maintaining regular mowing, removing leaf litter, and interplanting tick‑repellent species like lavender and rosemary. Monitoring activity with sticky traps and timing applications to coincide with peak larval emergence maximizes efficacy and reduces environmental impact.
How to treat plants against ticks? - in detail
Effective control of ticks on vegetation requires an integrated approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical methods.
Cultural practices reduce habitat suitability. Regular mowing lowers grass height to 5 cm or less, limiting the humid microclimate ticks need for development. Removing leaf litter, brush, and tall weeds eliminates refuge sites. Rotating crops and planting non‑host species in border rows disrupts the life cycle of tick vectors.
Biological agents target immature stages. Entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are applied as aqueous suspensions to foliage; spores infect and kill larvae and nymphs within 48 hours. Nematodes (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae) introduced into soil attack tick eggs and questing larvae. Predatory insects, including certain beetle species, consume tick larvae when habitats are kept diverse and pesticide‑free.
Chemical options provide rapid knock‑down but require careful selection to avoid non‑target damage. Systemic acaricides (e.g., fluazuron) are absorbed by plant roots and distributed to above‑ground tissues, exposing feeding ticks to lethal concentrations. Contact sprays containing pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin) are applied to foliage during peak questing periods; re‑application follows rainfall events. All pesticide use must comply with label rates, pre‑harvest intervals, and local regulations.
Monitoring informs timing and efficacy. Drag cloths or flagging methods sample tick density on vegetation weekly during spring and summer. Data are recorded in tables; thresholds trigger specific interventions.
A sample protocol illustrates sequence:
- Mow to 5 cm height; clear debris.
- Apply fungal spore suspension at 1 × 10⁸ cfu L⁻¹, repeat every 14 days.
- Introduce nematodes at 1 × 10⁶ IJs m², water in to ensure soil penetration.
- If post‑treatment counts exceed 10 ticks m⁻², spray systemic acaricide at label‑recommended concentration.
- Re‑evaluate after two weeks; adjust frequency accordingly.
Integrated management reduces tick populations while preserving beneficial organisms and minimizing chemical residues. Continuous assessment and adaptation maintain long‑term effectiveness.