Even if you love the Great Outdoors, you probably don’t like dealing with all the insects that this time of year brings. We hate to break it to you but this year’s bug count is predicted to be up, and there’s even going to be a tick surge you need to be prepared for.
This isn’t a reason to stay indoors, though! You can protect yourself and your family this season and make the world your oyster. Scroll on for more details.
Due to the current wet spring and recent long winter, Indiana is experiencing an increase in ticks this season. While we may have hoped the freezing temperatures this past January and February had killed off these suckers (pun intended), it actually created the perfect environment for their populations to swell.
Wikimedia Commons/Visviva The same is, unfortunately, true about mosquitoes as well.
In Indiana, the main type of tick we have to worry about is the deer tick. It is known for carrying disease, the most common if which is Lyme, though ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever have also been recorded in the state. There are actually 15 known tick-borne illnesses one could catch.
Flickr/John Tann
Be sure to layer on that deep woods bug spray when going hiking this season to help protect yourself against this tick surge. This is especially important if you plan to walk through any tall grass, swamp areas, or forests.
Wikimedia Commons/Derek Jensen
No matter how well you spray and protect yourself before spending time outdoors, you’ll want to check yourself, as well as any children and pets, for ticks once you’ve come inside. Be especially mindful of the hairline, joints, elbows, groin, and armpits.
Wikimedia Commons/Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
If one has attached, it is important to be careful to remove it properly. The idea is to detach the entire thing, head and all, so that it does not spread disease. It is advised to use tweezers and to either destroy the tick or save it in case of infection to better help doctors with a diagnosis.
Flickr/Chris Booth A bulls-eye-shaped rash is a possible sign of Lyme disease that needs immediate medical attention.
No one wants to hear about the tick surge, but it is better to be aware and prepared than to be lunch for the leaches. Take the time to take the proper steps to protect yourself this season before (and after) you hit the trails.
MaxPixel
Test out your anti-tick protection methods on these eight greatest hiking trails in Indiana
Wikimedia Commons/Visviva
The same is, unfortunately, true about mosquitoes as well.
Flickr/John Tann
Wikimedia Commons/Derek Jensen
Wikimedia Commons/Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Flickr/Chris Booth
A bulls-eye-shaped rash is a possible sign of Lyme disease that needs immediate medical attention.
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What do you think about this tick surge? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments.
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