Ask The Biologist

Deer Vampires

Deer Vampires

By Bob Humphrey

Is there anything we can do to help whitetails get rid of ticks?

QUESTION: Why hasn't there been some form of treatment developed to put in our feeders to help deer with the severe tick problem we have down here in Florida and in many other locations? They have pills for dogs and cats that can be put in their food. It really pains me to see so many deer with clusters of ticks. It must be miserable for them, and I'm sure it's a 24-7 type of misery. — James H, Masaryktown, Fla.

ANSWER: I’m well acquainted with the issue, although in Maine it’s more of a problem with moose. Some animals become so infested they literally rub off their insulating fur, leaving them more susceptible to the winter’s cold. In addition, two recent studies showed 21 of 35 collared moose calves in Maine and 20 of 27 in New Hampshire died. They were found to be heavily infested with ticks, and many also suffered from anemia due to blood loss. If ticks can literally drain the blood out of an 500-pound moose, they likely can do the same to a deer. And in less severe cases it’s still quite uncomfortable for them.

Over a decade ago someone shared with me plans for something called a 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station developed by the USDA. Basically, it has four rollers, similar to paint rollers, treated with permethrin. In order to access food in the bin, a deer must rub its head and neck on the permethrin-treated rollers. Studies using the devices found that in three years it would control over 90 percent of the tick population around the devices. They recommend one device for every 40-50 acres. There are now 4-Poster devices commercially available, although you could probably fashion your own with a set of plans. The EPA has also approved a 10-percent permethrin-based acaricide for use with the devices.

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