Ask The Biologist

Ticked Off

Ticked Off

By Bob Humphrey

There's not much you can do to reduce parasite infestations.

QUESTION: Is there anything I can do to help the deer reduce their tick volume. There appears to be a heavy infestation on several does in my area as observed on trail camera photos. Are there any minerals or anything I can add to their supplemental feeding?

ANSWER: Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do to directly reduce tick infestation on deer. Any insecticide you mix with or apply to feed would obviously be consumed by deer and could be passed along when you harvest and eat the animal. The best course of action is to ensure the deer have enough natural or supplemental food. Healthy deer are better able to withstand parasite infestation, and it should help reduce parasite loads.

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