A recent study conducted by University of Ottawa researchers has revealed that applying woodchips to woodland trails can significantly decrease local tick populations. The findings suggest that this simple method could help reduce the risk of tick bites and the transmission of Lyme disease for hikers in forested areas.
The research team selected two locations within Ottawa’s Greenbelt for the study: the Mer Bleue sector in the east and the Stony Swamp sector in the west. They divided 20 trail sections, each measuring 50 meters, and treated them with either untreated woodchips or woodchips treated with the pesticide deltamethrin.
The results showed that using untreated woodchips led to a 50% reduction in tick numbers, while the application of deltamethrin-treated woodchips resulted in a 99% decrease in tick populations, as reported by researcher Katarina Ost. She highlighted that the pesticide had a more significant impact, emphasizing that it poses no harm to pets walking on the treated woodchips.
Woodchips serve as an effective deterrent against ticks because these arachnids typically climb vegetation, such as grass, to attach themselves to hikers or animals. By covering trails with woodchips, the growth of the vegetation necessary for ticks to climb is hindered, making it an effective preventive measure.
Dr. Christopher Labos, a cardiologist and epidemiologist at McGill University, emphasized the importance of controlling tick populations to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases. He noted that while reducing tick numbers is crucial, further studies are needed to establish a direct link between tick reduction and a decrease in Lyme disease cases.
Labos also stressed the importance of staying on designated paths when using woodchip deterrents and following standard precautions, such as wearing long pants, using insect repellent, and conducting tick checks post-hike. Implementing woodchip borders around home lawns, as suggested by the federal government, can create an environment unsuitable for ticks to thrive.
In conclusion, the study underscores the potential of using woodchips to reduce tick populations and mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases. Further research could provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this method in preventing Lyme disease transmission.