A new type of corn feeder may help kill the ticks that carry Lyme disease. The feeder’s called a “four-poster”, and it’s designed for white-tailed deer, according to Dr. Matt Pound.Pound, a researcher on the project, says the deer are attracted to a bin full of corn, with an ordinary paint roller attached. The feeder’s designed so the deer has to rub the roller that’s coated with pesticide that kills the ticks. The deer feeder’s being tested at five sites in the northeast part of the country. They put out 25 of the feeders and they’re seeing if they help in treating the deer for the ticks.Pound says the research is promising, and may be ready for the nation soon.There were 34 reported cases of Lyme disease in Iowa last year. The deer feeder’s being tested in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. White tail deer are the primary “host” animals for the deer ticks which carry Lyme disease.
