MARTINO: Tips for steering clear of nasty ticks

July 14, 2007 05:45 pm

— As summer moves on, many of us are spending a lot of time outdoors, and we should. In addition to fishing and hiking, some have already began hanging stands and scouting for the upcoming deer season. And, as we enjoy the outdoors during this time of year we should be aware ticks and the problems they can create.
Each year numerous cases of Lyme Disease are diagnosed. This serious, infectious disease is transmitted to humans through bacteria from the bite of infected deer ticks. Unfortunately, Indiana lies right in the middle of some of the highest deer tick concentrations in the country.
Common sense goes a long way in enjoying our natural resources while at the same time ensuring your adventures remain safe. When in the woods or tall grass wear long pants and a shirt. Light colored clothing, while not only being cooler, makes it easier to spot ticks that may get on your clothes. Wear a hat too as ticks often drop from trees and leaves. Shoes and socks are also important protection.
Most important is to wear a good quality insect repellent containing DEET. 3M makes a great new product called Ultrathon (I personally like the lotion form) that dispels many of the common objections to insect repellents of the past. Sawyer is another repellent, (again I prefer the lotion) that contains a controlled release DEET formula.
The time release provides longer lasting protection than other brands containing a higher concentration of DEET. Both brands claim to protect for up to 12 hours per application and is splash and sweat resistant.
Anytime you come out of areas that could be infested with ticks, which could even be your back yard at this time of year, check your hair, clothes and skin. It usually takes 36 hours after a tick becomes attached to a human to transfer the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.
There are many wives-tales and myths concerning tick removal. The bottom line is if you do find a tick that has become attached, just grab it behind the head with a pair of tweezers and pull it out! Don’t worry if some of the head remains. The harmful bacteria comes from the tick’s abdomen, not the head.
Lyme disease often manifests itself with a characteristic round rash around the bite. This may be accompanied by fever, headache, fatigue and muscle and joint pain. Symptoms usually show up one to two weeks after a bite. It’s always good to see a doctor if these symptoms occur. Lyme disease can be successfully treated but is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Be sure to let the doctor know you have been exposed to ticks.
By being aware and using common sense when it comes to ticks, you will be able to enjoy another great summer season and not have a thing to worry about.
Kids Fishing Clinic
The 24th annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic begins Monday at 6:30 p.m. Class sessions will be held at Kokomo High School. Due to construction, participants are asked to use the south entrance located off Lincoln Road.
Those who did not have an opportunity to enroll a child are asked to remember that the educational class portions of the clinic are free and open to the public.
Tournament results
• The 13th annual Riley Children’s Hospital Benefit Tournament was conducted on beautiful Patoka Reservoir last weekend. Nearly 200 teams from across the Midwest took part in the event.
Sponsored by the Indiana Bass Federation, this tournament provides important funding for special needs children with an interest in attending Camp Riley. This camp provides a quality outdoor experience for physically handicapped youth who might not ever have this type of unique opportunity.
After the weigh-in, it was Galveston’s father-and-son team of Rich and Tanner Fye who left with top honors in the adult/youth division. They took seventh place overall. The Fye’s carried five largemouth bass to the scales totaling an impressive 15 pounds, 4 ounces.
• Sam Taskey came out on top at last Monday morning’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass fishing tourney, sponsored by Ohio Marine. Taskey won the event with three largemouth totaling 6 pounds, 7 ounces. He also earned the weekly event’s “big fish” award with a 2-pound, 9-ounce bass. Steve Kelly took second with two fish weighing 3 pounds, 9 ounces. Third place went to Bev and Jack Carty with two fish weighing 3 pounds, 7 ounces.
• Cody Oliver and Larrell Norris came out on top after last Tuesday’s Delphi-Delco team bass fishing tournament held on Mississinewa reservoir. The winners carried three largemouth to the scales weighing 5 pounds. Jim Huffer and Mike Harrison took second with two fish totaling 1 ounce shy of 3 pounds. Third place and the tourney’s “big fish” honor went to Wayne Nolder and Bob Rose with a 2-pound, 4-ounce largemouth.
• Nick and Dennis Hartley ran away from the field at last Wednesday evening’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass fishing tournament with five largemouth totaling 8 pounds. Second place and the weekly event’s “big fish” honor went to the team of Lane Shelton and Chuck Wolf with a 3-pound, 2-ounce fish
Tribune catches of the week
Bryant’s Outdoor Store: Tyler Keck hauled in a flathead catfish dropping the scales at 31 pounds. Keck took his prize from the Mississinewa River on a soft craw.
Malone’s Nyona Lake Bait and Tackle: Rena and Bob Small pulled in 61 bluegills and redears averaging 8 inches in length while plying the waters of Nyona Lake. The Small’s said crickets were their bait of choice.
Braxton Renstler reeled in a channel catfish tipping the scales at 20 pounds, measuring 361/2 inches in length. Renstler took his fish on live bait.
Springhill Camp Ground and Pay Pit: Gerald Melvin took home a flathead catfish weighing 20 pounds, 14 ounces after trying his luck Springhill. Melvin hooked his fish on live bait.
Chris Terrell also used live bait to catch his 13-pound flathead catfish from the western Howard County pit.
Jack’s Tackle Center: Jeff Watson and Mike Nielson cleaned 31 bluegills after a recent outing on a Miami County pond. The fish averaged 8 inches in length and were taken on beemoth and crickets.
John Martino is the Tribune’s
outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports
department.

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