Ticklandia....(warning, gross pic)

[oakley]

This past weekend was our first trip up to the Catskill farm since the snow thaw. Where
my main garden is located. Gorgeous weekend....mowing, prepping beds, garlic is
healthy, lots of surprises in a good way. Ladybugs, etc.

Except for the tick explosion. A few black flies. But the ticks are a variety we have not
encountered. In all the 20 yrs. Maybe one or two a week of two other varieties. Tick
check is common here.

The grass was tall, not horribly. My 'hog' took care of it quickly and a chore i enjoy. Lets
me travel the land and see 'what's up'. Lets me spread the wild thyme seeds i let grow
last year that has become a good 30% of the lawn.

Did not notice all Saturday until bed, when pup #1 looked up and her head was covered
as if she had been out in the rain. Dark spots on a grey head. Ick.
Could not sleep as they were all over us as well.

I have a pic into 'Tickville' for a positive ID. A University.

The only good news is it might be one that does not normally attach to humans. Slow
moving and easy to find, but the crawling all over out of nowhere is unnerving and
i feel them on me 24/7 even when it is not.

I make a pet/human safe tick juice that might have been keeping them off us in the
past but we failed to apply being still a bit chilly.
Making a big batch now.

Pup#2 has blk/white fur a bit longer so harder to see. We just drop them into alcohol.