This Week – Insects and the Diseases They Can Cause
“Insects and the Diseases They Can Cause” Jamie Haight from the New York State Health Department – February 26, 2015 Jamie, a biologist for the New York State Health Department, does disease surveillance and mosquito and tick investigation in western New York. He will present a program on “Insects and the Diseases They Can Cause” on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 6:00PM here at RTPI. See more information on our Speaker Series page. This event is free and open to the public.
Read MoreInsects and the Diseases They Can Cause
“Insects and the Diseases They Can Cause” Jamie Haight from the New York State Health Department – February 26, 2015 Jamie, a biologist for the New York State Health Department, does disease surveillance and mosquito and tick investigation in western New York. He will present a program on “Insects and the Diseases They Can Cause” on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 6:00PM here at RTPI. See more information on our Speaker Series page. This event is free and open to the public.
Read MoreDon’t feed the deer
As tempting as it may be it is NOT healthy for the wild White-tailed Deer, or you, if they are fed by humans. I can recall some winter days as a child where hungry deer were laying in our backyard for prolonged periods. The winter season can be very difficult on these friendly mammals but it is not in their best interest, health or safety to start eating anything we put out whether it is for caring about an individual, an attempt to protect other plants, to supplement the population, or any other reason. The Maine governmental website has an extremely extensive and detailed list of why we...
Read MoreCool mornings, warm bodies
Here’s an adult female deer tick that I photographed yesterday on this ruler (inches). They are actually rather large compared to young ticks, or nymphs. I pulled another one off my dog this morning. If you live near or frequent an area or habitat prone to ticks be aware that at this time of year the cool autumn mornings can lead these parasites to find any warm body they can, leaping on to mammals quickly. Thankfully you should be able to spot them if you check carefully.
Read MoreTimber Rattlesnake hunting
Timber Rattlesnakes have been drastically reduced in population in many areas of the Northeast. This drop correlates extremely well to regions where Lyme Disease has skyrocketed due to high levels of ticks. The University of Maryland and Edward Kabay found that rattlesnakes hunted small mammals to the degree that it kept the disease in check in areas where the population is strong. A single adult male can consume 2,500-4,500 ticks every year! If Timber Rattlesnake populations were at historic levels throughout their previous range maybe none of us would have to worry about ticks on ourselves...
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