Recently, I read an article somewhere about three really nasty insect pests. While it’s tempting to think that “bug time” is just about over, it’s not. For openers this week, let’s take a little look at this nasty threesome. First of all, there are mosquitoes. We’re all pretty familiar with these critters. For the most part, we consider them to be just a nuisance, capable of inflicting an itching, welt producing bite. It’s easy to forget that they are also notorious carriers of disease. While we don’t have to worry about malaria around here, there is West Nile virus. This came on the scene a few years ago. The primary victims of the virus are birds, which get it from mosquito bites. However, if a “skeeter” bites a bird that has the disease, and then a person, the person could contract it. Around this time of year, as more and more birds migrate out of here, mosquitoes turn more often to humans for their needed blood meals. That, of course, intensifies the problem. For that reason, it’s important to take some common sense precautions. First of all, eliminate standing water from around your home. Mosquitoes breed in this. The larvae, or wigglers, live in stagnant water until they emerge as adults. There are lots of good repellents on the market today, and it is worth using them. Most bug zappers have little effect on the mosquito population, although they do, indeed, eliminate many insect pests. By no means should West Nile virus be confused with the deadly avian flu we’ve read so much about, or Covid. They’re not even similar, and only a few human cases of avian or bird flu, as it is commonly known, have been reported in the United States.
Another nasty little character is the deer tick. They can carry lyme disease, a serious, chronic and even sometimes deadly disease. They’re still around, too, and if you go deer scouting, precautions must be taken. Long pants and long sleeves are the way to go. Repellent should also be applied, and you should check yourself carefully for ticks after an outing. I’ve known a couple of people who’ve contracted the disease, and they had a rough time of it, and for a long period of time. All possible precautions should be taken to prevent getting this one.
The third member of our gruesome trio is the chigger. Although they are not known to carry any diseases, they can really get under your skin, in the truest sense of the term. Humorist P.J. O’Rourke once wrote about his experience with chiggers. He got an itching spell at a friends wedding, and it proved most embarrassing for him. Once again, a good repellent is probably the best safeguard.
In many ways, this is a pretty neat time of year for outdoor minded people. Some of the year’s best fishing can be found about now, and lots of hunting and fishing opportunities will be coming up in the next couple of months. When the leaves change colors, it is almost too splendid for words. While you might need a jacket or heavy shirt, the temperatures are still pretty nice.
There is probably no better time than autumn for the outdoor photography enthusiast. The leaves are great subjects, especially when reflected in water. Waterfowl and other birds are in full migration, and present great opportunities for the shutterbug.
Fall is just around the corner, and it’s a great time of year. Enjoy it to the fullest. Winter’s next.
The bear in the photo was caught on Dave Lewis’s trail camera. The bruin was right by the camera. Looks like a big fellow.
Email: salmonangler1@gmail.com
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