Subject: chiggers in Texas
Date: Apr 17 09:04:33 1998
From: Lois Schultz - lois at acpub.duke.edu


Re chiggers
I've birded in Texas several times and in NC a lot (where we have lots of
chiggers & ticks). The pyrethrum treatment works fine. You want to be
very careful to not let it absorb into your skin. Before we headed for
Texas we soaked the pant legs (i.e., by dipping them into the solution)
and let them dry.

Always tuck your pants into your boots. It is better to use really high
boots (rubber farm boots are even better than hiking boots as the ticks
can't get a very good grip on such a slick surface). If you put socks on
the outside of your pants the ticks have a great opportunity to climb up
your leg. Of course, they are on the outside of your pants, not the
inside, so you can see them better.

Chiggers are another story. You can't see them until later and they are
embedded well into you ankles and wrists. The very best way to avoid
chiggers is to NEVER EVER SIT ON THE GROUND IN GRASSES OR PINE STRAW.
Pine straw just teems with "red bugs" (as the locals call them) and all
of a sudden you are itching all around your waist.

The solution to the sitting problem is to take a folding camp stool with
you. Actually this works quite well in the field. You can sit and watch
birds in comfort, avoiding chiggers and ticks. I've got one that has a
carrying strap, so your hands are free for birding.

Other advice: wear long sleeves at all times, NO sandals (cactus bite
too), wear a wide-brimmed hat (sun & bugs), DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

Good luck!

Lois Schultz
lois at acpub.duke.edu
Music Cataloger, Duke University

********************************************************
In Looking-Glass Land you can't get very far,
You must run like the wind just to stay where you are!
As for those whose ambition is getting ahead,
They must run twice as fast!", her Imperial Majesty said.

Lewis Carroll. Through the Looking Glass
*********************************************************