Partem O. O., Tarnovska A. V.

INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL FACTORS ON THE SURVIVAL OF IXODID TICKS

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About the author:

Partem O. O., Tarnovska A. V.

Heading:

BIOLOGY

Type of article:

Scientific article

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Ixodid ticks are important vectors of transmissible infectious diseases and pose a significant threat to human and animal health. They participate in maintaining natural foci of many dangerous infections, including Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, anaplasmosis and other diseases. In recent years, an increase in the abundance of ixodid ticks and expansion of their geographic distribution have been observed, which is associated with climate change, transformation of natural ecosystems and increasing anthropogenic pressure on the environment. One of the widespread ixodid tick species in Europe is Dermacentor reticulatus, characterized by high ecological plasticity and the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. Tick viability and activity largely depend on physical environmental factors, particularly temperature, humidity and ultraviolet radiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of temperature, ultraviolet radiation, ultrasound and humidity on survival and functional state of Dermacentor reticulatus under laboratory conditions. Adult specimens of Dermacentor reticulatus collected from natural biotopes of Lviv region using the flagging method were used in the study. Experimental groups consisted of 15 specimens for each exposure variant. The total number of examined ticks was 150. A laboratory thermostat, a 30 W bactericidal ultraviolet lamp and a laboratory ultrasonic bath were used in the experiments. The influence of temperatures 4°C, 20°C, 37°C and 40°C, ultraviolet radiation of different exposure duration, increased humidity conditions and ultrasound exposure was investigated. The results demonstrated that 20°C was the optimal temperature for tick survival and locomotor activity. At 4°C suppression of locomotor activity without lethal effect was observed. Long-term exposure to 37°C for 48 hours caused complete mortality of ticks. Increased humidity ensured stable viability of specimens throughout the observation period. Under bactericidal ultraviolet radiation a dose-dependent decrease in locomotor activity was observed, while exposure longer than 15 minutes resulted in complete mortality. Direct sunlight caused rapid dehydration and death of ticks. Ultrasound exposure did not demonstrate a pronounced lethal effect but induced changes in behavioral reactions and temporary reduction of locomotor activity. The obtained results confirm the important role of physical factors in regulation of Dermacentor reticulatus viability and may be useful for predicting ecological stability of tick populations and developing alternative approaches for tick control.

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Bibliography:

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 2, 181, 152-157 pages, index UDC 595.42:57.04

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-2-181-152-157