I'm sorry to report that there is no open place that is tick free in the
immediate area. They are everywhere and are now a fact of life. It's important
to take precautions such as repellents and appropriate attire. Ticks tend to
move up low shrubbery or emergent vegetation. As you brush by, they transfer
on. So one good way to reduce tick encounters is to stay on the center of
trails and avoid brushing against vegetation. IMO, that severely reduces the
fun of being in nature, so I just stopped worrying about it!
You can also reduce the risk of contracting tick borne diseases by showering
immediately after nature outings. The larval ticks associated with Lyme disease
need to be attached for over 24 hours to transmit the bacterium. They are small
enough to be knocked off by showers. Plus, all your friends and family will
appreciate the effort!
Happy wildlife watching.
Leslie
On 03/22/14, Lori Keeler<lorik3@xxxxxxx> wrote:
This report is sent primarily for the benefit of those of you who, like me,
tend to get a little freaked out when they find a tick on themselves.
I was at Huntley early this morning. After the boardwalk, I walked the old
informal trail along Barnyard Run, which is once again accessible. It is
probably here that I picked up the tick. I've gone down that trail for years
without a problem. It grieves me to think that I might have to remove this
location from my list of tick-free birding areas.
Who's thinking about ticks? It's only March.--a rather chilly March
morning--but this tick was feisty and ready for breakfast.
--
Lori Keeler
Alexandria
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