A Tick Control Measure

Worth Considering

To the Editor:

I wish to comment on the article by John Voket titled “DEEP To Support Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Not Deer Cull” [Bee, 6/29/12]. Having attended the presentation by Howard Kilpatrick from DEEP, I understand that DEEP does not work to control or stop Lyme disease. DEEP works to control deer populations.

I feel that one important control measure that DEEP is not seriously considering for the reduction of tick-borne diseases is the “4-poster” device. This device as described by the American Lyme Disease Foundation basically consists of a central bin containing clean whole kernel corn used as bait and two application/feeding stations located at either end of the device. As deer feed on the bait, the design of the device forces them to rub against pesticide-impregnated applicator rollers. The rollers in turn apply tickicide to their ears, heads, necks, and shoulders where roughly 90 percent of feeding adult ticks are attached. Through grooming, the deer also transfer the tickicide to other parts of the body. Studies have shown that use of “4-poster” technology has resulted in the control of 92 to 98 percent of free-living tick populations in areas around the devices after three years of use.

I commend First Selectman Llodra and the Board of Selectman for examining the science and implementing a plan to help educate our community in preventing Lyme disease. As science has shown the 4-poster unit does work and we need to make sure DEEP advocates this device for our community.

The Tick-Borne Action Disease Committee worked for several years, trying to find the best solution for our community. They found many complex and diverse reasons why Lyme disease spreads in communities like ours. Anyone wishing to learn more about this subject might want to read the research done by Taal Levi from the Carey Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York. His studies show that reducing tick populations through the use of 4-poster devices is much more efficient as compared to the reduction of deer populations.

Let’s continue to examine the science, looking at all possible solutions and keeping an open attitude towards all possibilities, especially the 4-poster device.

Yours truly,

Lynn Printy

135 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown                                         July 3, 2012