Feasibility of controlling Ixodes scapularis ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), the vector of Lyme disease, by parasitoid augmentation.

A theoretical analysis of the feasibility of controlling tick populations (Ixodidae) by the release of reared Ixodiphagus parasitoids in tick ecosystems yielded promising results. The analysis suggested that if reasonable progress could be made in mass-rearing the parasitoids, it would be possible to control the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Say), the vector of Lyme disease, by this biological control procedure. Lyme disease has become the most important vector-borne disease in the United States.

Role of phermones and kairmones for insect suppression systems and their possible health and environmental impacts.

Insects produce pheromones as a chemical communication system to facilitate reproduction. These highly active chemical attractants have been synthesized for some of the most important insect pests, including the boll weevil, gypsy moth, codling moth, tobacco budworm, European corn borer, and several bark beetles. While none of the synthetic sex attractants have yet been developed for use in insect control, they offer opportunities for the future both as control agents and to greatly improved insect detection.

Disruption of gypsy moth mating with microencapsulated disparlure.

Broadcast applications of microencapsulated disparlure at rates of 2.5 to 15.0 grams per hectare are capable of reducing successful mating of wild gypsy moths under field conditions.