The Big Outdoors

Chiggers are a nuisance that many outdoorsmen and women can relate to - those itchy, scratchy welts that can last for weeks after a bite. But did you know that these tiny mites are still a mystery to scientists in the United States? This episode of The Big Outdoors Newsradio 700 WLW Cincinnati delves into the world of chiggers, discussing their behavior, habits, and potential health risks.

Liz Foley, a PhD candidate at the Ohio State University Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine, joins the show to share her research on these pesky creatures. She explains that chiggers are not insects, but rather the larval form of mites, and that they have six legs, not eight. Liz also dispels the common myth that chiggers burrow under the skin, instead, they attach to the skin with their mouthparts and feed on liquefied skin cells.

The conversation touches on the potential health risks associated with chiggers, including the transmission of diseases like scrub typhus, which is prevalent in other parts of the world. Liz notes that while chiggers may not be a significant health concern in the US, they are still a nuisance that affects many people's daily lives.

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This episode of The Big Outdoors IS a must-listen for anyone concerned about the rapid development of data centers in rural Ohio. Joining Chip Hart in the studio is Nick Owens, an attorney from Georgetown, Ohio, who's fighting to give local communities a say in the construction of these massive facilities.

Data centers have become a hot topic in Ohio, with many rural communities feeling the impact of their construction. Nick Owens explains how his organization, Conserve Ohio, is working to get a statewide constitutional amendment on the ballot to ban data centers that use over 25 megawatts of power. But what's behind this push, and why is it so important for local communities to have a say in the matter?

Nick Owens shares his personal story of why he's passionate about this issue, and how it affects his own community. He also delves into the specifics of the charter amendments that are currently on the ballot in 10 Ohio cities, including Trenton, Sunbury, and Conneaut. With the stakes high, it's clear that this is a fight worth fighting.

If you're interested in learning more about the data center issue and how it's affecting Ohio's rural communities, tune in to this episode of The Big Outdoors!

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As the weather cools down and the great outdoors beckons, it's time to talk about one of the most unwelcome visitors to your backyard: ticks. This episode of The Big Outdoors delves into the world of these pesky parasites, exploring the latest research and insights from Dr. Risa Pesapain, an expert in tick-borne diseases from the Ohio State University.

Dr. Pesapain shares her expertise on the changing landscape of ticks in Ohio, where the number of species and cases of tick-borne diseases have skyrocketed in recent years. From the Asian longhorn tick to the black-legged tick, we discuss the most common types of ticks and the diseases they carry, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal. We also explore the reasons behind the surge in tick populations and the impact on local wildlife.

One of the most fascinating topics discussed is the unique life cycle of ticks, which involves feeding only once per life stage and molting to progress to the next stage. We also touch on the importance of understanding the relationship between ticks and their hosts, including deer and birds. With the rise of tick-borne diseases, it's essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you're concerned about ticks and want to contribute to the research, Dr. Pesapain invites listeners to submit ticks they encounter to her lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the world of ticks and how to stay safe.

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As the weather warms up, many of us are heading outdoors to enjoy the beautiful Ohio landscape. But with the great outdoors comes a not-so-great problem: ticks. This episode of The Big Outdoors delves into the world of these pesky parasites, discussing the recent surge in tick-borne diseases and what's behind it. Joining the conversation is Dr. Risa Pespain, an expert on ticks and vector-borne diseases from the Ohio State University.

Dr. Pespain shares her insights on the changing landscape of ticks in Ohio, including the introduction of the Asian longhorn tick, which is causing problems for livestock producers. She also talks about the diseases ticks can transmit, such as Lyme disease and alpha-gal, a red meat allergy caused by an allergic reaction to a tick bite. The conversation also touches on the impact of climate change and the role of wildlife in the tick population.

One of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is the discussion on the life cycle of ticks, including how they feed and how often they need to eat. Dr. Pespain also shares some surprising facts, such as the fact that adult ticks are active year-round and can be found on white-tailed deer even in the winter.

If you're concerned about ticks and want to learn more about how to protect yourself and your pets, tune in to this episode of The Big Outdoors News Radio 700 WLW Cincinnati. Dr. Pespain also shares some practical tips on how to collect and submit ticks for research, and discusses the importance of understanding the tick population in Ohio.

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This episode of the Big Outdoors Is a must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts. Join Chip Hart as he sits down with Mike Moore, the editor-in-chief of the Ohio Outdoor News, to discuss the latest news and trends in the world of hunting and fishing.

Mike Moore shares his insights on the current state of the outdoor industry, from the decline of traditional newspapers to the rise of online publications. They also dive into the world of conservation, discussing the importance of understanding the connection between hunting and conservation. With the upcoming bow season just around the corner, Mike shares some exciting stories and updates, including a rare catch of a blue perch and the expansion of armadillo sightings in Ohio.

The conversation also touches on the impact of EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) on deer populations, with Mike sharing some alarming statistics from last year's outbreak. He also discusses the importance of responsible hunting practices and the need to repopulate areas with deer. With his trademark wit and humor, Mike keeps the conversation engaging and informative.

If you're interested in learning more about the latest outdoor news and trends, be sure to tune in to this episode. With Mike Moore's expertise and Chip Hart's charming hosting style, you won't want to miss this conversation.

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This episode of the Big Outdoors is a must-listen for anyone interested in Ohio's agricultural industry. Join Chip Hart as he sits down with Ryan Matthews, Director of Communications for the Ohio Farm Bureau, to discuss the latest developments in farming and the challenges facing Ohio's farmers.

In this episode, Ryan shares his insights on the current state of the farm bill, trade negotiations with China, and the impact of beef imports on the domestic market. He also talks about the importance of the farm bill, which provides crucial support for farmers, and the need for updates to crop insurance, trade investments, and tax provisions. Additionally, Ryan discusses the Ohio Farm Bureau's efforts to promote year-round E15, a biofuel that benefits both farmers and consumers.

Ryan also delves into the world of CAUV, or current agricultural use value, and the recent updates that have brought relief to many farm families. He explains how the Ohio Department of Taxation's decision to make permanent pasture value at the minimum woodland CAUV will help farmers continue to operate in the next season. With the reappraisal cycle ongoing, Ryan highlights the importance of this change and its potential impact on rural communities.

If you're interested in learning more about the Ohio Farm Bureau and its efforts to support farmers and rural communities, tune in to this episode to hear Ryan's thoughts on these critical issues. You can also find out how to connect with the Ohio Farm Bureau and learn more about their advocacy work, membership opportunities, and community resources.

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