Tick elimination using environmentally friendly biological methods (BIOZEC strategy)

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a growing problem in Germany and across Central Europe. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the tick population in city parks and public gardens. Especially the common tick (Ixodes ricinus) is a vector of many serious diseases in humans, including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.
The project is aimed at the development of a biological tick control agent. The basis for formulating an innovative control agent is the tick-attracting role of CO2 as well as other specific attractants and aggregation pheromones released in a controlled manner by biopolymer-based capsule systems. The capsule systems are additionally provided with biocidal components, mainly a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus which effectively eliminates attracted ticks.
This novel concept for tick control is referred to as the “Attract-and-Kill” strategy. The product is designed for the protection of gardens, golf courses, public outdoor areas, green utility areas, and the barrier protection of forest paths.

Project participants:
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Anant Patel
Working Group “Fermentation and Formulation of Biologicals and Chemicals”
Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences

Prof. Dr. Ute Mackenstedt
Parasitology Unit
University of Hohenheim

Insect Services GmbH
Represented by Hans Dautel
12163 Berlin

Project support:
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) pursuant to a resolution passed by the German Parliament