First tick a couple days ago

Yeah, I know, not a big dealio and old news to some, but this signals a significant curtailing of outdoor activities for me for a couple months. Wimpy? Perhaps, but I don't like 'em one bit and don't need to get sick.
Wife noticed one on her shoulder a couple nights ago, and I found one on Casper's lower lip yesterday afternoon.
Not a huge deal, since I'll now spend more time in the shop. Wife sent me a link for plans to make a "rustic" shelf (not even shelves, actually) thingy, so that'll be done today for Mother's day for her.
I have some housekeeping to do out there too, as well as a multitude of projects. Might make a little "office space" and take the laptop out there to keep track of the FHC.

 

Feel the same way Dave. I'm down to a bottle and a half of Sawyers and I'm ready to restock. I've been watching Giz closely too cause I know that's the most likely way they'll get in here with her down in the weeds a lot... even with her Preventic collars, I know they can, and do, ride in on her... The more I learn about ticks the more I hate em...

 

Evidently, the AdvantixII didn't migrate down to Casper's lip area (probably a good thing).
One of the dogs may have brought in the one that found my wife. She had been laying on the couch with at least one of the dogs prior to finding it, but she'd also been outside to feed the chickens, so................
The 2 month long, several times a day tick check has begun.

 

There are days I curse Giz's white coat because of mud... but, at least I can see tics on her...I need it as blind as I'm gittin'.

 

We have been fighting deer ticks all winter, even as cold as it was! Now we are getting the normal ticks we deal with every year.

 

My dad built this house in 1973, and I don't remember ever seeing a tick here until 3-4 years ago. Ever.

My wife took 42 of them off the little dog one day. Big dogs don't venture out of the yard very often, and we rarely find any on them.

On the other hand, the wasps and yellow jackets used to be so bad it was almost impossible to do anything in the back yard on a sunny day. I haven't seen any of those in probably five years or so.

 

I think the increase in deer population is a big reason there are more ticks. I was up in our woods yesterday wearing flip-flops and didn't get a one. If I were to step over into the neighbor's woods, chances are I'd come back with 5 or 6 on me, and if I walked a little further to their pond, I'd be covered with them.
I know a lot of people nowadays are averse to using insecticides, but I like being outside and I'll do whatever it takes.

 

I didn't mention that we haven't found any yet. My sister-in-law lives in town, and they've been getting them for a few weeks, off themselves and their dogs. A little strange.

 

Here's the little "laundry organizer" I made. Wife will be using it as a fabric holder/cutting table/ironing board thing. Her sister gave us the baskets down undah, but they're slightly too big. Wife thinks she has some stashed in a closet, but if not, I'll be making a run to the dollar store for a couple more.
This thing is VERY basic. Need to put on 3 back braces, and she plans to paint at least the top.

 

I don't ever remember seeing or hearing about ticks when we lived downstate. Ever.
The skeeters have arrived as well. Great.
I'd rather deal with those than the ticks though. The Thermacell works very well on those (thanks for that tip, Dennis).
I'm sure I'll still get out and about.....it's not as if I'll barricade myself in the house.

 

pulled one off from behind my knee two weeks ago! no ring bullseye, so I guess there was no lyme? continue to watch though.

 

plucked the first tick off me yesterday!!

 

What's the deal with the Thermacell, is this some kind of deal you hook on your body to keep mosquitoes away, what's the best kind, best price, where do you buy it, do they work good??

 

I put one on the front porch last year when the skeeters were real bad, and after a few minutes, I was able to sit out there without being bothered or bit.
I got mine locally for about $20 or so.
Wally's or Meijer might have 'em too.
Edit to add Wally link for a camo model, so the ticks can't see it.
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i:aps,k:Thermacell
http://www.walmart.com/ip/ThermaCell-Camo-Mosquito-Repellent/4242368

 

Thanks Dave I've been researching this for over an hour, watching YouTube videos, checking prices.
Everything I have seen and read says they flat out do work.
Ordered one with a holster for $36
sometimes I can't even be out in my splitting area in the daytime without being eaten up

 

I wonder if the deer population boom has caused the tick population boom ?
Don't remember them being bad in the Pittsburgh area way back when. Deer all over the city now.
Lots more deer = lots more ticks ?
Spray the deer ?

 

Moose here in Maine are being taken out by winter ticks too. They can grow to 1/2"... one quote said "when encumbered with thousands of them, an adult moose can be bled to death by winter ticks over one season"...