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A New Method for the Control of Cattle Ticks in Tropical Regions

Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Sciences^,2

Abstract

A new combined solution was devised that showed excellent possibilities for use as a spray in the control and possible eradication of the cattle tick in tropical areas. The spray method averts the use of dipping vats, poisonous solutions, and long cattle drives. It is economical and practical to apply, averting the danger of losses from overheating, mechanical injuries and poisonings. With the cooperation of the cattlemen in tropical regions the spray method using the combined solution, which apparently kills ticks over a period of seven days, can be more rapid at effecting complete eradication than the control methods now being employed in the tropics.

Tests indicated a DDT-rotenone combination superior to the use of either ingredient alone, and that increasing the percentage of DDT in the combined solution did not increase the mortality percentage of the ticks. There were indications that a reduced percentage of DDT in the combined solution was not as efficient.

The combined solution worked equally well under dry and wet tropical lowland conditions and that a continuous rainfall of 8 hours following applications of the spray in one group of field tests did not interfere with obtaining an average of 93 percent mortality of the animals' ticks.

Observations recorded over a six month period on 1000 sprayed animals indicated no poisonous or continued irritable effects from the use of the solution.

Eighty to 150 c.c. of the combined solution was found to be sufficient to cover an animal and effect a 85 to 99 percent mortality of ticks within 7 days after the spray's application. Observations showed a fine penetrating spray to be the most efficient and that the mortality percentage was definitely related to the spray technique.

An apparent progressive killing action of the combined solution was observed to last as long as 7 days. The mortality of ticks effected was as follows: 24 to 48 hours after the spray application, 20 to 55 percent; 48 to 96 hours, 55 to 85 percent; 96 to 168 hours, 85 to 99 percent.

Twenty cubic centimeters of the combined solution sprayed over trousers of men working in heavily tick infested pastures prevented their infestation.

¹ Animal Husbandman. The writer expresses his gratitude to Messrs. Oscar Echandi M. and Carlos Wiessel M. for their assistance in running the various experiments.

² Turrialba, Costa Rica.