It's striking how alien and, well, repulsive ticks look in closeup. Probably a good thing, too, that they don't look like puppies or butterflies. As everyone knows, or should know, and as my recent experience bore out, ticks are an increasingly virulent threat to the health of Vermont's ecosystems, actually the entire Northeast. Winter ticks can and do bring down full grown moose (that's moose, not mouse), their numbers are increasing around 10% every year, and about 50% carry Lyme disease, according to VT Fish & Wildlife.
And now with myself it's personal. I contracted anaplasmosis from a tick bite around 5-6 weeks ago, and I can say with authority it's not something you want in your life. With the massive and destructive overpopulation of Vermont's forests and wildlands by whitetail deer, ticks are an ever present threat anywhere deer go (which is everywhere, even suburban backyards). Ok, then. We got invasive plants, we got invasive deer dropping disease ridden ticks....I'm just going to stay inside, you say.
Reasonable response, that. But before you batten the hatches and pull in the drawbridge, look at it this way - before white European settlers killed off everything that moved, having a healthy respect for threats and danger in the wilderness was a requirement for survival. It still is. So don't hide indoors, but don't take unnecessary chances. Spray your outdoor clothes with permethrin every 6-8 weeks. Liberally spray yourself with 25% DEET insect repellent whenever you go into the brush, deep forest, or tall grass. Check yourself carefully for ticks when you get back from your adventures, immediately throw your clothes in the washer, and take a shower and use a scrub brush. And most importantly, if you feel sick go to your GP, get tested, and see if you need antibiotics. Apparently, 15-20% of folks who test positive for anaplasmosis have no recollection of having a tick bite.
Ticks are here to stay. So, note to self - be aware of this, and plan accordingly. It is indeed our brave, new world.
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