Ticks Suck! (by Montana Grant)
By angelamontana

Posted: July 21, 2014

bloodsucker1Ticks really bug me! They fall into the group of nuisance critters like mosquitos, leeches, and other blood sucking parasites. Yeech!

Folks that spend a lot of time in the outdoors must become familiar with the problems and diseases caused by these nasty freeloaders. Rabies, Lyme’s disease, Babesiosis, Q-fever, Giardia, encephalitis, brucellosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the plague sounds like a shopping list of death!

Fortunately, most of these diseases can be addressed with medication and treatment if diagnosed early. The best way to avoid these diseases is to understand how to prevent contact. Repellents can be effective at keeping ticks and mosquitos off of you. Long sleeved shirts and pants can be helpful. Routine tick checks are important. Light colored clothing makes for easier identification. Mosquitos are actually attracted by dark colors.

bloodsucker2If you feel symptoms of these diseases, make a Doctor visit and get tested. Arthritis, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and depression are just a few symptoms. Usually a blood test will confirm your condition. Proper diagnosis can address any major health concerns quickly before they become more serious.

Be Bug Aware and research the risks found in your area. Some of these illnesses can be found year around while others are seasonal. Ticks and mosquitos are a problem now!

Manage your environment to minimize encounters. Insecticides, mowing, water management are some suggestions. Bat boxes can house mosquito eating friends. Deal with mice and rodents that carry the ticks and diseases we are trying to avoid. Ironically, deer ticks are most common on deer mice. These pinhead sized ticks are infected by the mice and then spread to other critters.

bloodsucker3Knowledge is power when dealing with our health. Be informed by checking with your local wildlife and health services. Google-up, current information so you have an even chance to avoid these creepy crawlies and nasties.

Deet and Permanone repellents can be hazardous to pets and humans. Here is a homemade, natural repellent that works well on humans and pets.

BUG JUICE

                20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil

                20 drops of Lemon Grass essential oil

                Mix into a spray bottle with 4 oz. of water. And shake. Spray this natural repellent onto your shoes, socks, pants, and pets to keep the blood suckers at bay.

Don’t be Bugged!!!

Montana Grant

Montana Grant Pic

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing