Ticks can spread several diseases, including Lyme disease.

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4-Poster Deer Treatment Devices
to Reduce Ticks
This presentation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health,
and the Yale Emerging Infections Program accompanies a survey related to the use of 4-Poster Deer Treatment
Devices (or 4-poster devices) to reduce ticks in areas where people live and to possibly reduce tickborne diseases.

spread
several
diseases,
including
Lyme
disease

Deer are
important
for ticks to
reproduce

Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS

device
treats deer
with a
pesticide
that kills
ticks

How the device
works
• 4-poster devices have bins filled
with corn
• As deer eat the corn, they rub
against foam rollers ("posts")
coated with a pesticide called
permethrin that kills ticks
To find out more about permethrin, go to:
npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html

How the device
works
• The pesticide and the device do not
harm the deer
• The treatment is similar to some
flea and tick treatments applied to
the skin of cats and dogs

3.75 ft.

5.25 ft.
1 ft.

How the device
works
• The pesticide does not spread
into the environment
• Devices should not increase deer
populations
• Devices require weekly servicing
by licensed professionals

How the Device
Affects Ticks
•

•

2-3 Years
4-poster devices cause the number
of ticks in the environment to
decrease over time.

4-Poster devices are a type of longterm tick management that can be
used by a community
Devices need to be in place for 2-3
years to see a decrease in ticks

How the Device
Affects Ticks
•
•
•

Each device will reduce ticks
over roughly 50 acres
Devices may be used year round
Ticks will eventually return if
the devices do not remain in
service

Safety and
Precautions
• 4-poster devices are registered by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
• The EPA requires that pesticide warning
signs be placed around each device

Safety and
Precautions
• If a device is placed within 300 feet
of a home or place children may be
present, a 2 ½ foot high fence must
surround it
• If bears are a local concern, then
electric fencing may be required
• Hunter-killed deer that have been
treated by a 4-poster device are
safe to eat