University of Cincinnati biologists discover the parasites metabolism speeds up after months of fasting so it can pursue a meal
By Michael Miller, University of Cincinnati News, Cincinnati, Ohio
Press Release: November 20, 2018
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Thanks, Ann. Good information.
And, sadly,
Caution: Christmas Trees & Other Holiday Greenery -
We all like a rustic, natural approach to the holiday decorations from the out of doors, all kinds of greenery / holly, etc. yet can ship ticks across distances, short or long, into homes.
It not a common thing to happen (or that people are aware of) yet I know two people who got lyme, et al from ticks in their Christmas trees.
As a forever Girl Scout at heart I always like to know so that I can plan to prevent any chance of a life-altering mishap. Easier to be aware & to think ahead. And there's the inclination to share with others to keep them safe that is tricky.
But I have to tell you even I'm very shy about raising this possibility with others I know since I've already gotten dozens of eye rolls just trying to alert them to their time out in the woods in summer.
It's a tricky subject but if one phrases it to others for "any kind of little critter that might want to come in with the tree" . . . that might serve as general alert.
When collecting trees at a tree farm, be sure to have them shake the trees there - and keep your distance while that happens. They often shake on a special contraption to dislodge bugs of all kinds that might be taking a nap.
They also (primarily) shake to dislodge loose bits and twigs so if someone is going to forego this step, remind them even just of the debris that will not be carried in when it's shaken at the farm.
On tree lots, etc. be aware they may spray with various kinds of bug spray (and maybe flame retardant) either before the trees land on the lot or as they arrive.
The sparkle of the season is very special so it's a good time to figure out how to work with it all to keep all the wonder in a safe manner.
For those with asthma / COPD, etc. Be sure to store artificial greens at the end so they don't collect dust. Setting one's vacuum hose to low setting can also help get rid of any dust that might have settled as decorations are unpacked.
Flame retardants also important to consider when purchasing [because they can cause lung irritation and endocrine disruption as they warm up to inside temps]. -
Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
Hi Keebler, this is why we switched to an artificial tree. Not that we had ticks in the house but we used to get the trees from my friend and after he told me of all the ticks that would fall off of a deer (he hunted on his tree farm property) once he would hang it in his shed we didn't want to take the chance.