A life stage-targeted acaricide application approach for the control of Haemaphysalis longicornis

Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann is an invasive tick species that has recently been detected in the eastern United States. We designed field studies to monitor population dynamics of H. over a year (2019) New Jersey, and assess efficacy pyrethroid acaricide (lambda-cyhalothrin) controlling this using stage-treatment approach. Nymphs were most abundant life stage found host-seeking from May through early July, followed by brief period high adult activity mid-July, very larval peak extending late July October. Overall, 542 adults, 1910 nymphs, 69,238 larvae recorded during sampling. In present study, treatments suppress ticks was assessed applying lambda-cyhalothrin once each three periods for nymphs (June), adults (July), (August), or sequentially all months. Control plots left untreated used phenology studies. Applications June provided 100 % control stages, including dominant nymphal stages 42 35 d, respectively. Ticks re-established at normal reduced levels following applications respectively, compared controls. The application August 49 level suppression (>99 control) remained end season This study therefore supports single can provide up 7 wk, late-summer towards near complete population. An evaluation course revealed did not lead significant reductions However, multiple sequential targeting 66 %, 97 >99 larvae, respectively activity.