@autistics

Damn! Scab or tick season is starting early...

"There's something crawling
There's something crawling in the dark
I don't see it, but I know it's after me"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq6i9RNmO4s

#ActuallyAutistic #SkinPicking #Stims #AuDHD #OCD #InsectBites #SkinCrawling #Ticks #Dermotillomania

#Ticks of #Maine

"There are fifteen different tick species that have been found in Maine, though not all are permanent residents. Some may arrive in the state on wildlife hosts and do not establish viable populations. Other species have thrived in Maine and are now widespread throughout much of the state. The biology and ecology of ticks can vary significantly based upon species and can determine the level of threat each species poses.

The Most Commonly Encountered Tick Species of Maine:

- Blacklegged Tick or #DeerTick (Ixodes scapularis)
- American #DogTick (Dermacentor variabilis)
- #WoodchuckTick (Ixodes cookei)

Other Tick Species Found in Maine:

- Brown Dog Tick or Kennel Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
- Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
- Ixodes angustus
- Ixodes brunneus
- Ixodes dentatus
- Ixodes gregsoni
- #LoneStarTick (Amblyomma americanum)
- Mouse Tick (Ixodes muris)
- Rabbit Tick (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris)
- Seabird Tick (Ixodes uriae)
- Squirrel Tick (Ixodes marxi)
- Winter Tick or Moose Tick (Dermacentor albipictus) "

Learn more about each species:
https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/maine-ticks/

#SolarPunkSunday #TickIdentification #SpendTimeInNature
#BeSafeOutdoors #Ticksafety #MaineTicks #TicksInMaine

So, we have #Catnip, #LemonBalm and #Thyme growing in our backyard -- and they seem to help keep the #ticks down. And the bees love them -- especially the catnip!

17 Tick-Proof Plants That Create Safe Zones Around Your Home

By Ashley Gilbert
Posted on Last updated: June 1, 2025

"Some plants naturally repel ticks thanks to their scent or texture, creating little buffer zones between your home and the areas ticks like to hang out. It’s a low-effort, long-term way to make your yard safer for kids, pets, and anyone who’d rather not deal with a bite. These 17 plants don’t just look good—they’re working quietly in the background to help keep ticks at bay."

Read more:
https://plantisima.com/tick-proof-plants-that-create-safe-zones-around-your-home/

#SolarPunkSunday #TickRepellents #SpendTimeInNature #BeSafeOutdoors #Ticksafety

So, I usually don't promote certain brands, but I've found that #NantucketSpider's products work (even their #TickRepellent) -- and they make a dog-friendly #BugSpray (but keep any of their products away from cats). If one is ambitious, they can make their DIY their own bug sprays (I'll be posting some recipes for those.)

Nantucket Spider
Original Bug Repellent For People

"Our 8 oz insect repellent spray bottle size is big enough to spray the whole family and is topped with our signature fine-mist trigger sprayer for superior coverage.

Ingredients: Cedarwood Oil, Citronella Oil, Clove Oil, Geranium Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Peppermint Oil Rosemary Oil, Spearmint Oil, Distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerin


Essential Oil Bug Spray for People

The Official Bug Spray of Summer

Our Original Bug Repellent for People is made from a blend of organic essential oils and is highly effective at repelling mosquitos (99% effective in independent tests) and biting flies.

Note: Not for use on cats or dogs. For Dogs, try our Bug Repellent Spray for Dogs instead. None of our repellents should be used on cats."

How to Use

Spray directly onto skin, hair, clothing, and gear as needed. Reapply more frequently in humid or heavily bug-infested conditions. For added tick deterrence, spray from the waist down with special attention to socks and shoes.

Always patch test before first use.


Which Repellent Should I Buy?

Nantucket Spider Original Repellent (Orange Label): This is our best seller. It has a unique blend of essential oils of cedar wood, citronella, clove, geranium, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and spearmint. While our 8 ounce bottles have our signature trigger sprayer, our 4 and 2 ounce sizes (with pump sprayers) are convenient for travel and to carry in a handbag or a backpack. Comes in four sizes (2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

Nantucket Spider Summer Camp Repellent (Blue Label): It is much like the original formula, and is equally effective, but is citronella-free. We made it for kids (and others) who may have an aversion to citronella. Comes in three sizes (2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz).

Nantucket Spider Extra Strength Tick Repellent (Green Label): If you specifically want to repel ticks, this is a perfect repellent. It can be used alone or in addition to other repellents. While no repellent repels all ticks, in independent lab tests, ours repelled 92% of deer ticks. Comes in four sizes (2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

Nantucket Spider Bug Repellent for Dogs (Red Label): This repellent is specially formulated without ‘citrusy’ oils that dogs dislike and clove oil, which they shouldn’t ingest. Instead, it contains thyme oil to repel fleas and other oils such as geranium, rosemary, cedar, peppermint and spearmint - all effective repellents. And while it is formulated for dogs, it is often used on their owners as well! Comes in two sizes (8 oz, 16 oz)."

https://nantucketspider.com/products/nantucket-spider-original-natural-repellent

#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalBugRepellent #NoDeet #TickSpray #Ticks #TickSafety #Mosquitoes #SpendTimeInNature

First tick of the season. That didn't take long... 😱

#Ticks #MaineWeather #MaineWx