Applying woodchips along paths in wooded areas has been shown by University of Ottawa researchers to significantly decrease local tick populations, according to a recent study. This study reveals that a simple method like this could lower the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease for forest visitors.
The research team selected two locations within Ottawa’s Greenbelt: the Mer Bleue area in the east and the Stony Swamp area in the west. Over 20 sections of trails, each 50 meters long, the team applied either untreated woodchips or woodchips treated with the pesticide deltamethrin.
Results showed that the use of untreated woodchips led to a 50% decrease in tick numbers, while the application of pesticide-treated woodchips resulted in a 99% reduction, as reported by researcher Katarina Ost. Ost emphasized the importance of these findings on CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning.
Woodchips are effective in deterring ticks because these tiny parasites often climb vegetation to attach to hikers or pets. By placing woodchips on the trail, the necessary vegetation for ticks to climb is eliminated, explained Ost. She suggested that wider, heavily used trails with high tick populations are ideal for implementing this method on a larger scale.
According to Ost, it was expected that the pesticide would have a more significant impact. Deltamethrin, the pesticide used, poses no threat to pets walking on the wood chips as it remains in place once applied.
To prevent tick bites in residential areas, the federal government recommends creating a border of wood chips, mulch, or gravel around lawns to create an inhospitable environment for ticks. Dr. Christopher Labos, an epidemiologist at McGill University, highlighted the importance of controlling tick populations to limit the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Further investigations could determine if reducing tick populations correlates with a decrease in Lyme disease cases. Labos stressed the need to confirm the direct impact of lower tick numbers on disease prevention. He emphasized the importance of following standard precautions, such as wearing long pants and using insect repellent, for those venturing off designated paths.
Overall, this study suggests that using woodchips on trails can effectively reduce tick populations, potentially lowering the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.