Advancing the PIRK, a transfluthrin-based personal repellent kit for tick bite prevention

The prevention of tickborne diseases (TBDs) is a priority for public health and national defense. The incidence of TBDs is increasing worldwide. In the U.S., reports of TBDs doubled between 2004 and 2016. TBD risk is exacerbated by expansions in the geographic range of tick species and the introduction of invasive species. The prevention of TBD relies on bite prevention and the use of personal protection methods that include EPA-registered topical repellents, permethrin-treated clothing, and regular tick checks. The Personal Insect-Repellent Kit (PIRK), a passive spatial device, could offer a new approach to control TBDs. The PIRK incorporates the synthetic pyrethroid, transfluthrin (TF) and is under investigation for protection against flying and crawling arthropod pests. Here, we will explore the potential of TF-based passive spatial devices for tick-bite prevention. On this project, an assay series was developed to investigate the contact and spatial activity of TF and the PIRK against tick species (Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis) of importance to the health of military personnel and civilians. In parallel, an anonymous survey of user groups was conducted to identify the preferred product characteristics of tick-bite prevention devices. An overview of efficacy and survey studies will be presented, and considerations for the development of spatial products to protect against ticks and TBDs will be reviewed.