Yes, we use Permethrin on our field clothing in addition to DEET on the
skin.  Re: sensing one of those little blighters, it occurred to me that the
fellow I referred to had pretty hairy legs.  Maybe that increased his
sensory acuity!

Susan Fogleman

-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jane
Schlossberg
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 9:26 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Ticks

 You can buy the same stuff that the clothes are treated with, called
"Permethrin". It is sprayed on your clothes, and once dry, it can last for
several (up to six) washes. It is not sprayed on skin as it quickly breaks
down and loses potency. It is odorless and claims to be non-toxic to humans,
though obviously one should avoid eye and oral exposure. It is toxic for
insects and aquatic life, so use common sense. I buy a brand called
Sawyer's, it really makes a difference. I just pulled 8 ticks off my dogs (3
days after applying Frontline) and realized I'd forgotten to begin using the
spray this season. And yes, not only are ticks gross, but sadly can be quite
a serious health hazard. My son has a friend over right now that has
"permanent" Lyme disease, he came extremely close to losing his mobility,
mental capacity and life, and faces fighting it the illness rest of his
existence. He caught in in Vermont over 12 years ago and it was misdiagnosed
in this state for about two years.

If you sharpen a pencil and (gently) make a mark on your skin, that is about
the size of a typical deer tick, though some are larger, about the size of a
freckle. If you think you could be cognizant of a minute dot crawling on
your skin as you're focusing on watching a trail, pushing branches out of
your face and hair, swatting black flies and mosquitoes, and listening to
and observing birds, then you are a truly remarkably sensitive person. 

Good luck, and keep an eye out for ticks and birds,

Jane S.
St. George, VT




 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Mundi Smithers <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Sun, Mar 21, 2010 4:02 pm
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Ticks


Just ordered a pair of long pants and a long sleeved shirt from LL Bean that
are impregnated with something that will keep the ticks, mosquitoes away.
I'm usually pretty wary of chemicals of any kind BUT I have a feeling that
the risk may outweigh a case of Lyme.

Anyone have any experience with these products??
Mundi
Pownal

The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of
morality by religion. -Arthur C. Clarke,  (1917-2008)