In this conversation, we have a two part episode for you today, first with Deb Crunican and then Steve Tome to discuss ticks and tick prevention.

Deb Crunican, a farmer from Ontario, discusses tick prevention and her children's book on the topic. She shares her personal experience with Lyme disease and the importance of educating children about tick prevention. Deb emphasizes that ticks are not limited to rural areas and can be found in urban and suburban environments as well. She explains the strategies for tick prevention, such as using repellent, wearing light-colored clothes, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. Deb also provides tips for removing ticks and highlights the need for early treatment to prevent chronic Lyme disease. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics with Deb Crunican, including tick prevention, her children's books, and her career as an occupational therapist.

Steve, an expert in ticks, shares his experience working with ticks and mosquitoes and provides valuable information on tick removal, tick prevention strategies, and tick-borne illnesses. They also touch on the topic of mosquito control and the importance of protecting oneself from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus. In this conversation, Steve Tomé discusses ticks and mosquitoes, including how to protect yourself from bites and the potential for tick-borne diseases. He also talks about the life cycle of ticks and the importance of public education on tick prevention.

Resources From Today's Show

• https://www.etick.ca/
• https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deb-Crunican/author/B0B48TJ6L7?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1720641114&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected].

Takeaways

• Ticks are a growing concern, and it's important to protect oneself from tick bites.
• Tick prevention strategies include wearing light-colored clothing, tucking pants into socks, using insect repellent, and doing regular tick checks.
• Ticks can be removed using tweezers, and it's important to remove them as close to the skin as possible.
• Ticks should be saved and identified if possible, especially if there is a concern about Lyme disease transmission.
• Mosquito control is important to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus.
• Mosquitoes can be controlled by treating standing water with larvicides that only impact mosquito larvae.
• It's important to be aware of the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Different animals may be susceptible to tick-borne illnesses, and it's important to consult with a veterinarian for prevention and treatment options.
• Mosquitoes are attracted to certain individuals, but it is not a factor in hiring mosquito control employees. Use insect repellent with DEET or other effective products to prevent tick and mosquito bites.
• Wear long clothing and light colors to reduce the risk of bites.
• Check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
• Ticks can survive for two to three years and lay multiple batches of eggs.
• Public education is important for raising awareness about tick prevention.
• Consider donating blood or plasma to help meet the demand during the summer months.