Lime for Lyme: Treatment of Leaf Litter with Dolomitic Lime Powder Impairs Activity of Immature Ixodes scapularis Ticks

Author:

Aenishaenslin, C, Dumas, A, Pelletier, J, Leighton, PA, and Bouchard, C

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2024-05

Journal/Series title:

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis.

URL:

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/vbz.2023.0158

Abstract:

This study provides the first experimental evidence of the potential efficacy of liming for impairing activity of questing immature ticks. Given that lime is a low-cost material, that methods for widespread application in deciduous woodlands already exist, and that it has been documented as having a limited negative impact on the environment, further assessment of lime application as a public health risk reduction intervention for tick-borne diseases is warranted.