Livestock and Equine IPM Winter Webinars 2026: Managing Ticks on Horses

Ticks are a major concern for horse owners and managers due to their role in transmitting diseases and causing irritation and blood loss. This webinar will discuss the most common tick species affecting horses, their seasonal activity and habitats. Participants will learn how to reduce tick exposure through habitat management, host protection and other integrated control tactics that minimize risk to horses and humans alike.

Presenter

Erika Machtinger, Ph.D., is an associate professor of entomology at Penn State University, specializing in veterinary entomology and integrated pest management (IPM) for livestock and horses. Her research focuses on developing sustainable, science-based approaches to manage flies, ticks and other pests affecting animal health and welfare. Through her extension and outreach work, Machtinger provides practical guidance to horse owners, veterinarians and agricultural professionals on pest identification, prevention and control strategies that protect both animals and people while reducing reliance on chemical treatments.