Backyard tick research project needs volunteers

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Vermont Center for Ecostudies is requesting help with a backyard tick research project.

Biologists with the nonprofit hope to biologically survey upwards of 50 Upper Valley properties, in both Vermont and New Hampshire. 

Aiming to better understand the impact of traditional pesticides as well as organic essential oils on tick abundance, and to see if they “unintentionally impact beneficial insects like bumble bees,” a press release reads, researchers will survey properties before and immediately after they’re sprayed.

They also request participation from landowners who don’t spray their properties, as that land will serve as a statistical control group. 

The surveys will take less than one hour to complete and data will be shared with property owners following the research.

Those interested should reach out to Jason Hill at jhill@vtecostudies.org.

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