A new fire science fact sheet (Prescribed Fire as a Tool for Controlling Tick Populations in the Southeastern US) co-produced by the Southern Fire Exchange and the University of Florida IFAS summarizes the latest research on the impact of prescribed fire on southeastern tick populations. Tick-associated diseases and illnesses have been on the rise in recent years and many people have started to ask pertinent questions about the utility of prescribed fire for reducing exposure to tick-related diseases. This new fact sheet dives into the topic and provides a convenient summary of the latest research.

“Although fire’s effects are complex, research suggests that burning southeastern landscapes regularly over the long term (1–4 year return intervals) can help control tick populations.”

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR469