Pesticide use by licensed applicators for the control of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Connecticut

To assess the use of insecticides for tick control by commercial applicators in Connecticut, a questionnaire was mailed to 897 individuals and businesses with ornamental and turf pesticide applicator licenses. In total, 348 completed surveys were returned (38.8%). The majority of the respondents considered themselves lawn care (41.1%), landscape (31.3%) or tree care (12.6%) providers. Tick control services were offered by 16.4% (n = 57) of the respondents, all of whom apply insecticides for tick control, mainly for Ixodes scapularis Say. Over half (n = 33) also treat for the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say). Most respondents (66.7%) began applying pesticides for the control of I. scapularis during the period from 1990 to 1996. The principal acaricide used for tick control was cyfluthrin (n = 21), with chlorpyrifos 2nd (n = 18), carbaryl 3rd (n = 12), and fluvalinate (n = 4) 4th. When asked about what other pesticides were used for tick control, the top 3 chemicals also were the principal alternatives. Past success with a product was the dominant factor in selecting a pesticide, but information provided by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (New Haven), Cooperative Extension (University of Connecticut, Storrs), and scientific studies were important. Half of the respondents (49.1%) indicated that their tick control business had increased slightly or dramatically since 1991, although tick control comprises < 5% of their overall business for 63.1% of these applicators. Residential properties comprised 90% of the business for half of those treating for ticks, and the median charge for 0.4 ha was $180. Many respondents (43.8%) also indicated that they planned to expand their tick control services. Tick control represents a small but growing business in Connecticut.