The mild winter in the Northland has resulted in a bumper crop of ticks. There are several species of tick, the Deer Tick, now caller the “Black Legged Tick,” being the smallest and most dangerous for Lyme Disease. Only about half of the ticks actually carry the Lyme, but you never know. If you have symptoms there is a cure via doctor prescribed antibiotics. There are also other tick-borne diseases such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Powassan encephalitis, all of which can have severe long-term symptoms. Symptoms include a red spot often shaped like a bullseye target or rash near the site, neck stiffness, muscle ache or joint pain. Deet has been the standard defense, but newer sprays such as Permethrin and others are also effective. Check clothes for crawlers, and skin. Remove attached ticks as soon as possible by carefully grasping close to the skin with tweezers or tissue. There is a special tweezer available with small magnifer glass. Pull the tick slowly to avoid breaking off mouth parts. Germicide or iodine can clean the wound; expect an itch for weeks! Ticks favor open areas with high grass or plants along a trail where they can climb up and jump onto you. Your yard could be a haven. Dogs are tick magnets and can escort their consort inside. Be sure to check your PETS and CHILDREN thoroughly.
News
Poison Ivy!!
The north woods are full of Poison Ivy and some other dangerous plants.
Link to basic information on PI: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/western-poison-ivy
Link to KAXE’s John Latimer’s Identification Guide: https://www.kaxe.org/show/91-7-kaxe-90-5-kbxe-morning-show/2024-07-26/phenology-report-poison-ivy-identify-identification-minnesota-mn-nature
Here is a website with more information and an Identification Guide with Photos:
Deer Lake Water Level
The water level in Deer Lake normally stays fairly constant, but the last few years have seen greater swings in Lake Level. The season starts high, but by the end of the summer the water becomes low enough that it is often difficult for boats to get to the Access for removal during the winter.
Short-Term Rentals
Itasca County Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Please Comment on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance draft’s major problem: the Exemption of all the Vacation Home Rentals such as VRBOs from any licensing or regulation. This is a draft that is empty and without regulation of the short-term rentals that is the purpose of the Ordinance. A cynical attempt at regulatory self-nulification! Itasca County needs true regulation of STRs because too many operators let things go out of control, affecting both the environment and the neighborhood.
Send Comments to brett.skyles@co.itasca.mn.us