Integrated system of approach for the control of ixodid ticks in the western region of Ukraine

For the control of ixodid ticks it is necessary to develop an integrated system of approach that provide a scientific and practical component. The integrated method is the most effective way to control arthropods. The research was conducted during 2018-2020 in the western region of Ukraine (Khmelnytsky, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia regions). Based on data obtained in previous studies, as well as on the study of factors such as ticks species (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus), environmental conditions and the possibility of certain measures in this region, an integrated system of measures to regulate the number of ixodid ticks in Western Ukraine were developed. In each region, two experimental private farms and one control farm were selected; the territory of the farms was about 20,000 m2. During the entire study period, 379 D. reticulatus ticks and 165 I. ricinus ticks were collected in all areas. In 2019, farms that were located at a distance of 1-1.5 km from swamps, lowlands and shrubs in open, dry, sunny areas showed the lowest frequency of ticks on animals. So, in May 2019, on average, in experimental farms on dogs, 9, 7 and 11 ticks were found on one animal in the Khmelnytsky, Chernivtsi and Vinnitsa regions, respectively. During acarological examination of farms in the Khmelnytsky region, the average density of ticks was 8, in Chernivtsi - 5, in Vinnitsa - 7 ticks / 1000 m2 in the spring peak of tick activity. In addition, taking into account the seasonal dynamics of ticks activity during 2018, mechanical cleaning of the territory and acaricidal treatments of vegetation were carried out from autumn 2019 to autumn 2020 - in spring (March, May) and autumn (September). According to the results of our research, the use of acaricidal treatments provided a decrease in the number of ticks populations by 50-90 % within 6-8 weeks. When collecting ticks for the flag in experimental plots of the Khmelnytsky region in 2020, the average density of ticks was 4, Chernivtsi - 2, Vinnitsa - 1 tick / 1000 m2 in the spring peak of tick activity. We also found that during the complex acaricidal treatment of the territory and the use of drops or sprays based on fipronil in 2020, half as many ticks were found on dogs than in 2019, which averaged 4 ticks in the Khmelnytsky region, in Chernivtsi - 3 and 5 ticks in the Vinnytsia region. In addition, it was found that mechanical cleaning of the area also helped to reduce the attractiveness of the area for small mammals.