What do moose lice dislike? - briefly
Moose lice thrive in warm, humid environments and are repelled by cold, dry conditions.
What do moose lice dislike? - in detail
Moose lice (subfamily Anoplura that parasitize Alces alces) are highly selective regarding their external environment and host conditions. Their survival depends on stable temperature, adequate humidity, and unobstructed access to the host’s hair and skin. Deviations from these parameters trigger avoidance behavior and increased mortality.
Key aversive factors include:
- Low ambient temperature: Below 5 °C, metabolic activity slows, and lice cannot maintain grip on the host’s coat, leading to premature detachment.
- Excessive dryness: Relative humidity under 40 % causes desiccation of the cuticle, impairing respiration through the spiracles.
- Chemical repellents: Phenolic compounds such as pyrethrins, neem oil, and synthetic acaricides disrupt neural transmission, resulting in rapid dislodgement.
- Frequent grooming: Moose that engage in vigorous rubbing against trees or water surfaces mechanically remove lice, preventing colonization.
- Thick winter pelage: Dense, oily fur hampers lice movement and reduces the ability to locate suitable feeding sites on the skin.
Behavioural cues also influence lice presence. Moose that migrate to higher elevations experience cooler climates and lower humidity, both of which are hostile to lice populations. Similarly, individuals that spend extended periods in water experience skin wetness that interferes with lice attachment.
Management of lice infestations in wild moose populations therefore focuses on manipulating these deterrent conditions: promoting habitat features that encourage grooming, applying environmentally safe repellents, and monitoring climatic variables that exceed the lice’s tolerance thresholds.