Bird feeders and the spatial distribution of ticks on a residential lawn in Worcester County, Massachusetts

摘要

In order to assess the effect of bird feeders on the distribution of ticks on a residential lawn, ticks collected beneath bird feeders were compared to similar control areas on a residential property in Worcester County, MA. Host-seeking ticks were sampled From August 8, 2005 to July 25, 2007 by dragging with white flannel cloth. All ticks Were Counted and removed from the cloth. Sampling was conducted 38 times. A total of 12 ticks (larvae and nymphs) was collected. Significantly more ticks were collected from under the bird feeders (n = 10) than the control areas (n = 2).