Just because temperatures dropped into the low 40s and high 30s in some parts of south Mississippi this week doesn't mean that disease-carrying insects and venomous snakes are still in hiding. Trust me, they're not, and we outdoors types must beware.
For example, my granddaughter, Tymber, almost stepped on a small copperhead a couple of weeks ago in her backyard. Fortunately though, my daughter-in-law, Dayvi, had the good aim to “remove” the snake's head before any harm was done. I've also noticed lots of snakes in the woods and crossing country roads, which is more evidence the cool weather hasn't slowed their activity.
The best way to protect yourself from poisonous snakes is to avoid them. Duh! Sometimes you'll encounter snakes in unlikely places like your own backyard. So, unless your outdoor activities make it impossible to do so, avoid brushy areas where you cannot see you're feet when walking. Be especially careful around brushy pond banks while fishing. Creek swim holes or fishing holes should be carefully and constantly monitored also.
If bitten by a poisonous snake, stay as calm as possible (me, I'd wet my pants), and seek medical attention immediately. Don't hang around, but it is helpful if you can identify the snake for the attending physician.
Then there are the insects. Ticks are known for spreading Lyme Disease, while mosquitoes can carry numerous diseases. I've picked up a couple of ticks on my turkey-hunting jaunts recently, and know of others who have done the same. I also lost about a pint of blood (obvious exaggeration) to mosquitoes while hunting with Hunter Hankins during a Youth Turkey hunt.
The best and most convenient way I have found to repel mosquitoes is a ThermaCELL unit, although I failed to heed my own advice with Hunter. For those who don't know, it's a simple little unit that is run by butane and creates a 15' X 15' “safe space” from mosquitoes. There's no greasy spray or foul odors to contend with, and the best part is that they work (No, they don't pay me to say that). The refillable unit costs about 25 bucks, tax and all.
For the dreaded ticks and chiggers (redbugs), I'm afraid you'll have to use those messy sprays or ointments. Turkey hunters should take special precautions since the majority of their time is spent sitting on their butts up against a tree. Ticks have a way of crawling up your leg, over the top of your pants or down your neck, so apply tick repellent generously to those areas. The ThermaCELL is not for ticks.
Now I'm sure probably all of you are already aware of just about everything I've written. But if there's a slim chance that this Weekly Mistake will spare even one outdoors person the misery and perhaps illness caused by flying, creepy, crawling critters, it will have been worth it.
With that thought in mind, here's hoping that you turkey hunters get your bird, that you fishermen catch your limit (but only keep what you'll eat) and that all you others get out and enjoy Mississippi's great outdoors. Oh, when you go, have fun, be safe, and try to take a kid with you … every time you can.
PineBelt News outdoor writer Phil DiFatta may be reached for comment, story ideas and photos at pdifatta@hotmail.com. Also, you can text photos, with contact info, to 601-596-4475.
