Don't forget that this year, as a result of the huge cicada invasion, there has been a large itch mite presence. Itch mites apparently feed upon the eggs laid by the cicadas. I've been working all summer constructing a new fence, and my arms got super itchy from something. Whether it was itch mites, spider bites, or something else, I have no idea. But I've heard of others complaining about itching this summer.

I haven't noticed a consistent problem, but earlier in the summer there was some kind of persistent and annoying clouds of flying bugs. I thought at first they were mosquitoes but then it stung when they bit, so it must be something else. And then they itched lol. I haven't noticed them in the last two weeks so maybe that's it for this season at least!

:)

Dee

The is the reason that during some parts of the growing season, I never go into the yard without applying insect repellent. At time of the year it get applied all over, especially during tick season.

There was just a news story about this being in record season for West Nile virus in NJ. Thankfully, the rains have stopped, so, next issue will be drought.

Wish me luck, will attempt to mow the lawn tomorrow.

Pirate bugs are horrible this year. The corn turned brown a long time ago and dried up their source of food. Now they are swarming and getting in houses. They leave little red spots that itch like crazy. I'm looking forward to a frost.

Frank

I only saw 2 mosquitos and no gnats this season (my areas normally worst offenders). Seemingly there were fewer insects and arthropods overall.

I'm attributing this to our summer drought conditions.

Hope the migrating birds found enough food to raise their young.

Relatively few annoying insects this year here except the massive 17-year cicada outbreak. But that was finished by mid-June. Waiting to see how bad the ladybug house-invasions are this fall. Honeybee and Monarch butterfly numbers this year (desirable insects) were fairly good.

Tomorrow, I have major yard work and will be dressing up like going to war, against the fleas, deer ticks, chiggers, West Nile mosquitos, and the poison ivy (bought a new batch of Tecnu for those lovely plants).

P.S., Sounds like drought does have its perks!

I hope you include insect repellent in your war dress,

Poison Ivy and Ticks will have the longest lasting effects. The Ticks can give you Lime disease, or Rocky Mount Spotted fever that is why insect repellent is so important. Last year it took some powerfully drugs and a couple of month to recover from my case of Rock Mount Spotted fever..

Poison Ivy takes weeks to clear up, So after you are done, head directly to the shower and lather up with soap, rinse and then do it again. In my experience this is the best way to avoid poison Ivy. My last bout with poison ivy was between my fingers. Apparently when lathering up I missed the area between my fingers.

Krnuttle, I've had webbed fingers from the ivy. I know the risks, believe me.

Ticks?! I live amongst herds of deer, but I also have an outdoor shower and live in it!

I hope it is screened from the neighbors ;-)

What neighbors?! There are none! I can live with the vermin, but not with human neighbors!