Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
The Bugs:
Spring has sprung early this year, and with spring in cottage country, comes the BUGS. I was swatting at the mosquitos last night while puttering outside, it didn’t take long before they chased me inside. Dusk and dawn are the most prevalent time for these nasty blood sucking bugs, and standing water is their breeding ground.
I look around and see the Trilliums popping up all over, as much as they are a beautiful reminder of spring all I can think of is that “Beautiful Buds Bite!” Growing up here in cottage country I remember my Grandmother uttering this phrase every spring. When the Trilliums Bloom, the black flies start biting. Unlike mosquitos, black flies breed in running water, and are most active in
the daytime. Lets hope that we get a good hot spell to kill them off early!
Niblitz, my wee pup, was just in for a check up and I was reminded that it was time for flea and tick medication. The vet said that he has already removed several ticks this spring, and has heard that this will be a bad year for ticks. It is also important for us humans to check ourselves for ticks, as ticks can carry Lyme disease. If you should find a tick on yourself or your pet, go here to learn how to safely remove it. Tick Removal
As summer progresses, we also have both horse and deer flies, especially while trying to enjoy the sun laying out on the dock. These guys surprise you as they fly silently and truly take a bite out of you… and it hurts.
Although many people don’t know about these, I hate No-see-ums! No-See-Ums are also referred to as Biting Midges, Biting Gnats, or Sand Flies. They are attracted to light and are so small they can get through screens on windows and doors.
What can I do about the bugs?
If only I had a magic solution (I could make millions), but unfortunately there isn’t one.
Here are a few tips:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Tuck your pant legs into your socks.
- Wear light-coloured clothing
- Avoid wearing perfumes and consuming sweetened foods or beverages.
- Use insect repellents (DEET, citronella oil, mentholated cream). Some swear by non-toxic repellents like Avon’s Skin-so-soft or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- Light a fire to help eliminate flies at a campsite.
- Bug hats with netting, or bug shirts can be effective.
- There are some companies now that will spray your yard to help reduce mosquitos and ticks, such as: Mosquito Busters!
What to do for bites?
- Clean the area with rubbing alcohol.
- Apply honey on the bite.
- Take an oatmeal bath.
- Hold a cold tea bag on the bite.
- Make a basil rub, and apply to bite.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines, as directed.
- Use ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine.
- Apply aloe vera or witch hazel
BEST OF ALL… AVOID GETTING BITTEN!
Now that I have given you all the nasties about cottage country, get in touch with me here, so that I can tell you all about the fabulous reasons to come to cottage country!
