Alternative tick control methodology: A rodent and tick bait for controlling white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the respective pathogen host and vector of Lyme disease spirochetes

A promising alternative approach to conventional control practices is the use of a bait containing an acaricide and rodenticide to control vectors and pathogen reservoirs concurrently. In the United States, Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease with approximately 500,000 human cases estimated each year. Previous research has demonstrated the usefulness of a low dose fipronil bait in controlling Ixodes scapularis tick larvae feeding on white-footed mice. However, the association of white-footed mice with tick-borne diseases and hantaviruses may encourage some homeowners to prefer to remove mice from their properties. A combination rodent and tick bait may present a useful alternative to encourage additional community participation in integrated tick management. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of a rodent and tick bait (0.025% warfarin, 0.005% fipronil) in controlling white-footed mice and I. scapularis larvae. A laboratory choice test was conducted to evaluate the use of rodent tick bait in controlling white-footed mice over 15-day exposure. A simulated field choice test was conducted to evaluate use of rodent tick bait, presented to white-footed mice, in controlling parasitizing I. scapularis over 4-day exposure. Treatment resulted in 100% mortality of white-footed mice during 15-day exposure and prevented 100% larvae from blood feeding to repletion during 4-day exposure. All treated mice being parasitized with ticks had fipronil sulfone detectable in plasma. The results led to Environmental Protection Agency registration and suggest that a rodent and tick bait could be a useful addition to integrated tick management programs.