New approach against Lyme disease kills ticks

TRENTON, N.J. -- A new contraption designed to kill ticks on the backs of mice could prove a powerful weapon against Lyme disease.

The contraption -- developed by government scientists -- consists of bait boxes placed outdoors designed to lure the rodents that harbor the Lyme disease bacteria.

As mice pass through the child- and pet-proof boxes, an oily wick coats their shoulders with the same potent tick-killing compound used to protect dogs and cats.

The idea is to break the cycle of infection. Ticks pick up Lyme disease bacteria from rodents and spread the germ to humans.