By Glen Wunderlich
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
Summer is here and the list of fun things to do is endless in Michigan. Fortunately for outdoor enthusiasts the recent dryness has kept mosquitos from hatching and otherwise posing their usual threats to our enjoyment of fresh air. At the same time, however, there are plenty of active insects and biting bugs to spoil our fun, if we are not prepared. Here are some of my favorite bugs to hate.
* Deer flies: These terrorists are more than annoying and rule the air near low-lying areas near damp/wet vegetation. They are attracted by sight, smell, or by the detection of carbon dioxide that they utilize for breathing. If a person tries to outrun them, he or she should be wearing their fast shoes, because they will chase prey relentlessly at about 10 miles per hour. Female deer flies enrich their diet with the blood to develop eggs, when they win the race. They are particularly attracted to dark colors – especially blue but tend to ignore light colors, which make more sense in hot weather anyway.
* Yellowjackets: “Yellowjacket can be dangerous, as we move into the later part of summer because they get aggressive, territorial and more intolerant, especially if you get close to their nest,” says Howard Russell, Entomologist, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University.
Be careful when mowing lawns, because they live underground and will defend their nest vigorously if disturbed.
There is a risk of anaphylaxis or a deadly allergic reaction to a bee sting. It is rare, but some people are extra sensitive to bee stings. If you know you are at risk for anaphylaxis from a sting, you should be carrying your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector with you anytime you go outdoors during spring, summer or fall.
Hikers should throw a bottle of Benadryl into their bag when hiking. If you get stung and start to become itchy or have some hives appear, you can take some and mitigate your body’s histamine response.
* Ticks: Already this season, I’ve found two of these bloodsuckers attached to my scalp and neck. They’re almost impossible to detect unless seen or felt. Be vigilant to spot these arachnids on children or pets after time outdoors.
Consider applying a tick repellent such as permethrin to clothing, because clothes will remain protected after several washes (in the event things get damp out there). You can also use repellent sprays on skin not covered by clothing—just be sure they’re EPA registered. Make sure to follow label instructions. Some clothing may be purchased pretreated or spray is available for application. Note: Permethrin is highly toxic to cats, so keep them away while spraying. Once everything is dry, there is no danger to cats.
* Stink bugs: They seem to be everywhere but pose no threat to humans, other than the offensive odor they give off when smashed. A single feeding puncture can kill a plant, so these invaders are not welcome in landscape specimens or gardens.
Soapy water spray will kill stink bugs, as well as just about any creepy crawlers or buzzing menaces without the associated toxicity of most chemicals. It’s good indoors or out and a great alternative to expensive, commercial products at a fraction of the cost.
