Tick Population Risk Assessment, Analysis & Forecast
Our Tick Population Analysis service will provide you with a detailed understanding of the tick population levels, distribution and disease infection rate. This analysis is completed through Ivy Oaks and our laboratory partner. This service is available to county governments, military bases, neighborhoods, summer camps, academic campuses, large estates, resorts, farms and similar entities.
Our analysis will answer the following questions and more:
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What is our tick population level? Is this amount high or low?
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What species of ticks are present?
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What percentage of ticks are infected with Lyme disease? Is this high or low?
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What percentage of ticks are infected with Powassan Virus? Is this high or low?
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What percentage of ticks are carrying at least one disease?
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How many diseases were found in ticks on the property? Which diseases are they?
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Is the Asian Longhorned Tick active on the property?
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What percentage of our ticks are Deer Ticks?
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What life stage are the ticks in?
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Is the tick population increasing or decreasing?
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Where are the ticks located on the property?
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Are there any ticks located near residential areas?
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What areas are tick habitat on the property?
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What is our overall risk level? How severe is this risk?
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What steps can we take to reduce and control the threat from ticks?
We answer these questions by assessing four key areas of population risk.
1. Tick Population Levels
Through a series of population tests we will determine how many ticks are located on your property. Using tick density data we will analyze whether this quantity of ticks is high, low or normal.
2. Tick Species Present
Ticks will be analyzed and identified based on what species is present and what life stage they are in. From these findings we will make you aware of the population breakdown by species. Our examination of ticks will also include the Asian Longhorned Tick. This is a non-native species currently spreading in the United States with complete distribution unknown.
CDC Report: Asian Longhorned Tick Spreading Widely In US
3. Tick Population Distribution
Ticks are not evenly distributed and tend to cluster in large numbers throughout sections of property. Results are recorded for each section where a population test is conducted. From this data our report will inform you of which areas on your property have the highest tick populations, as well as what species are located most in which areas, and in which sections ticks are most infected with disease.
4. Disease Infection Rates
Collected ticks are laboratory tested for various diseases. All major diseases are assessed and we have the ability to test for Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, STARI, Bartonellosis, Tularemia, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, Heartland Virus, Colorado Tick Fever and Powassan Virus. Powassan Virus is a reemerging illness which can be transmitted by ticks in 15 minutes and is fatal in 10% of cases showing symptoms.
Analysis Candidates
Our tick population analysis is intended for areas that would like to be aware of what risks are present at their property. Reasons our analysis has been conducted include government entities evaluating tick risk, a non-profit board using the results of assessment as a fundraising tool for implementing control, a neighborhood developer evaluating population risk at potential building sites, and similar scenarios.
Most components of our tick population analysis are included in our comprehensive program for a lower cost. If you are already aware your facility has a high tick population with visitors or staff contracting tick-borne illnesses our comprehensive program is likely be a better fit.
Cost
The cost of our analysis service will vary depending on your property size, budget and needs. If interested in our analysis service please submit a request below or contact Isaiah Ham directly isaiah@ivyoaks.com, 844-489-6257. Once we receive the property address and size we will provide you with cost options in a written proposal.
There are no hidden fees and the costs mentioned in the options will be the final cost. Most components of our analysis are included in our control and surveillance program for a lower cost. If you decide to implement our comprehensive program following review of your risk assessment a portion of the fee paid for our analysis service will be applied to cost of our comprehensive program.
Timing
After we receive your submission for quote we will reach out to share further details about our program and learn more about your situation. From this discussion we will develop an analysis program best suited to your needs.
Our tick population measurements and collections typically begin in late spring or early summer. The exact start date depends on what region you are located and when you contact us to schedule the analysis. For a smaller area such as an estate or camp collections can likely be completed in one or two days. For larger areas such as military bases or entire counties between 15 and 30 days of collections may be necessary.
Once our collection is completed ticks are submitted for lab testing. Testing is generally complete within 5 business days. After we receive the lab report we analyze all data and draw conclusions. Within 15 days of our last collection you will receive your report. For government entities, military bases and county wide assessments this time-frame will likely be extended.
Confidentiality
Outdoor recreation businesses and other commercial entities will likely prefer their report remains private. Ivy Oaks Analytics only shares results directly with clients. The reports are not shared with government entities or any other organizations. Clients are welcome to make the results of their report public or share it should they choose.
We encourage government entities to make their results public.