This study is being conducted to address several issues to help inform a decision on Tickicide registration and whether to allow use of the 4-Poster in New York State.  The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Department of Health have three main concerns:

 I. Human and wildlife-associated risks due to changes in deer movement and behavior resulting from deployment of 4-Posters, including: 

• potential impact on vegetation near the deployed stations in both natural and residential settings
• possible increase in deer road crossings leading to more vehicle collisions
• increased contact and potential disease transmission among deer
• changes in deer mortality due to feeding or reduced tick pressure 
• use of 4-Poster stations by non-target wildlife. 

II.  Possible increased human exposure to permethrin via handling and consuming treated deer.  

• Dermal exposure via the deer hide during handling, e.g. by hunters
• Possibility of permethrin accumulation in deer tissues that would be ingested by consumers of venison

III. Efficacy of the 4-Poster system in controlling tick densities in human inhabited and visited areas. 

• Note: New York State restrictions do not allow placement of 4-Poster devices within 300ft. of a public highway, dwelling, multiple dwelling, playground or other place where children may be present without adult supervision. Exceptions (other than to placement near public highways) are permitted with prior NYSDEC approval and providing devices are fenced

 Photo: Peter Priolo