Lone Star Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Management by Host Manipulation Through Habitat Modification1

We observed the behavior of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) and the survival of female lone star ticks ( Amblyomma americanum ) following modification of native range habitat with tamed forage species. The white-tailed deer is the principal host of the lone star tick. Ambient and microenvironmental parameters were monitored continuously to ascertain their role in determining habitat suitability for ticks. Taming the range resulted in significant increases (10–30%) in visits by the deer to improved areas during late May and early June. Significantly greater forage production (15–30%) and use (30–45%) of improved habitats by deer during the early season were recorded. Habitat improvement produced environmental conditions that decreased the survival of introduced female ticks by 40–65% during the early season. Soil moisture was significantly reduced during an important phase of the adult and nymphal tick season. Increased use of improved range by deer increased the probability of engorged tick detachment in managed areas that were less favorable for tick survival and development.