Understanding the effectiveness of tick control measures on residential properties

Previous studies have indicated that Ixodes scapularis bites happen most often around the home. Common tick control pesticides available to homeowners, including bifenthrin, may soon be restricted by PFAS laws, increasing the demand for effective chemical and non-chemical tick control methods. We seek to evaluate two different pathways individuals may use to protect themself from ticks. First, we hypothesize that the presence of certain landscape features (e.g., shrubs, stone walls, and tall grass) correlates with an increase in tick population density and infection prevalence. Second, we hypothesize that applying a beta-cyfluthrin pesticide will reduce residential Ixodes scapularis populations. Finally, homeowners interested in using pesticides often express concern about the spread of pesticide residue after the application. We hypothesize that after a commercial-style pesticide application, the pesticide will be detectable in household dust. To test these hypotheses, we sampled ~50 residential properties for ticks over a three-year period from 2023-2025 and surveyed these properties for landscape features that may correlate to higher tick abundance. During 2023, no outdoor pesticides had been applied to any of the properties over the previous five years as self-reported by the homeowners. In 2024, 27 of our sample properties received one pesticide application at the forest edge. In 2025, 24 volunteer properties received two pesticide applications. Insecticide applications in 2024 resulted in a ~70% reduction in total Ixodes scapularis nymphs. After 2023 and 2024 a total of 1,759 Ixodes scapularis nymphs were collected from all properties and tested for pathogens.