Compass Companion's Mosquitos (and other nasties)
Disclaimer: Any medical information on this page is meant to supplement - not replace information available from your Doctor. Always consult a Doctor if in any doubt of if you require more information.
Lyme Disease and Ticks | Bulls |Things that sting | Snakes | Farmers | Dead birds
The walking supermarket - me, verses the dreaded Mosquito

Mosquito imageMosquitos

Why do Mosi's have teeth?
To bite (we actually inject) into your tasty flesh and suck out your juicy blood (like Ticks)! We (the females of course) need your blood to produce our little eggs (god bless us). We're quite active little breeders(?) laying about 2 hundred eggs every 3 days or so. Therefore we need lots of the old red stuff and that's where you come in - and the blood goes out!
Little known fact: People who are 'sexy' get bitten more! Why? Because mosquitos are attracted to the pheromone released from their skin when they sweat.
But why pick me for a snack?
Because you smell nice (at least to me) and tasty I can smell you about half a kilometre downwind! The reason I can smell you is because you give off a chemical odour from your breath and body sweat. You also give off Carbon Dioxide and body heat which I am attracted to (bet you wish you had a bath last night?) You also make the mistake of making yourself available at dawn and dusk, my favourite feeding times
My mates don't seem to get bitten!
Oh yes they do! Just because they don't come out in big red blotches doesn't mean I ignore them. Their immune response system (histamine) may be less sensitive than yours and react less to my chemical injections (oh, how I love those words!) but I still get them!
By the way, did you know that when I inject my saliva into your skin I also inject an anticoagulant to keep the blood flowing freely while I steal your life giving blood (did you know that you're a blood donor?)
Can I stop you?
That depends if you know my dislikes.
They are:

  • You drinking Tequila (not too much now!), or Soda water or eating garlic
  • Deet spray, liquid or roll-on.
  • Citronella oil or Lemon eucalyptus oil, (some also say that Coconut Oil works)
  • 'AVON' Skin so Soft (yes, it does work!)
  • Vitamin B
  • Skin covered up
  • Mosi netting on your tent
  • Mosi netting covering your face and neck while walking.
  • Electric Coils that you plug into the mains electric (they use a small tablet or liquid)
  • Light clothing (plus we are much harder to detect on your dark clothing)

    • Lastly, a quick clip round my earhole! (note: this method tends to leave a nice blood red swot mark)

    PS Don't forget to leave the fancy perfumes, aftershave, hairsprays or deodorants at home or I'll have you for sure!

    Did you know that mosquitos can carry malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis and elephantiasis?
    Can you name some brands of repellent?
    Sure, but I cannot accept any responsibility for the use of these or recommend any particular brand - you pay's your money and takes your choice!
    Warning: if walking abroad mosquitos can be a real danger to health. Seek advice from your Doctor -  well before you expect to travel.

  • 'Mosi-guard' (my favourite, natural ingredients and non Deet)
Note: the following contain Deet (real name = diethyltoluamide), so ensure you read the label before applying these products or ask your chemist if you require advise.
  • 'Autan'
  • 'Jungle Formula'

    • 'Neet Deet'
What can I apply after being bitten?
Antihistamine tablets or cream will help to reduce the itching i.e.
'Zirtek' or 'Triludan', again ask your chemist if you require advise. One thing is certain - scratch the bite and you'll make it worse !

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Lyme Disease and Ticks

 What is?
Lyme Disease is "a rare illness caused by bacteria carried by ticks. Here in the UK approximately 30 per cent of ticks (2mm - 10mm in size) carry a bacterium 'Borrelia burgdorferi' that causes the disease. These ticks suck your blood and can carry diseases. Please note; this disease can also be transmitted to your dog
There are three types of Lyme Disease which we can catch from these wildlife ticks,
Borrelia garinni, affects the nervous system,
Borrelia burdorferi (causes arthritis)
Afzelli (affects the skin)
They can be caught from Deer Pheasants, blackbirds and seabirds small mammals i.e. squirrels, mice, hedgehogs also sheep, horses or dogs
Where are they found?
Any rough countryside vegetation (especially bracken) especially from April to October........
Hot spots are areas where deer are common i.e. Scotland and Thetford Forest, the New Forest, Exmoor, Richmond Park, but infected ticks can be found just about anywhere.
Symptoms are...
Three days to a month after the bite a red blotch or a circular rash several centimetres across appears in the bite area. Flu like symptoms i.e. tiredness, aching and fever can appear. Serious problems i.e. neurological, chronic arthritis and joint problems can also develop.
Do not ignore these symptoms - go to your Doctor! The disease is treatable with antibiotics and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better.
Removing Ticks

  • Don't panic because not every tick carries Lyme Disease - but don't ignore it
  • Don't just rip it out! You might leave half of it in and cause infection.
  • Don't squash it, this will also cause infection
  • Don't burn it with a cigarette. Remove it by covering it with petroleum jelly for 10 to 15 minutes, then use tweezers to remove it with a swift pull backwards.
Clean the bite area with a disinfectant and wash your hands afterwards with disinfectant.
(Save the tick in a sealed container in case you develop symptoms later.)
Prevention
Cover bare skin
Tuck trousers into socks and/or wear 'Deet' insect repellent.
Avoid cow sheds etc. avoid brushing against vegetation.
Examine yourself for ticks in the backs of the knees, groin, under the arms and on the scalp after each outdoor walk/ride - especially if wearing shorts.
Check your pets for ticks and remove them.
If you need to speak to someone try:
John Adams Senior Technical Officer
Arun District Council, Environmental Health Department, Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton,
West Sussex. BN17 5LF
Telephone: 01903 716133 Ext. 3311
Fax: 01903 723936 email: environment@arun.gov.uk
More info...http://www.wadhurst.demon.co.uk/lyme/lyme3.htm or http://www.dis.strath.ac.uk/vie/LymeEU

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Bulls and Cattle (at your own risk!)

Bulls
Give all bulls a very wide berth.
Young bulls (bullocks) are the most dangerous, they are curious about you and are more likely to run towards you or charge.
Bulls are colour blind so wearing red has no effect on them (you hope!).
If at all possible don't even enter their field. An attack is quite rare but always expect one to attack you!
Keep a very close watch on them if you have no choice but to cross their terriorty!
NEVER turn your back on one!
Try to find an escape route before you enter the field - just in case you are attacked
Cross the field close to the edge and try to keep away from any cattle (to them, you are a threat to their love life)
Don't make unecessary noise and move quietly and carefully.
If you have a dog with you take extra caution, it may be better to carry the dog.
Shut the gate and good luck! Don't to shut the gate at the other end (if you get there).;-))
Cattle
Cattle are a bit less of a worry, but they can still be very curious and cause problems. Best to stay clear if possible. Follow the same guidelines as for bulls. If they approach they will only be showing interest - tell them to clear off!

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Things that sting

Avoid being stung:

  • If a bee lands on you don't attempt to swot it - if you do, you can guarantee a sting! Even worse you may fall off a cliff ledge. (they only land on you to inspect the smell of you, or for a drink of water from your sweat and will clear off pretty quickly if left alone).
  • If you don't want to wait for it to leave, gently and slowly brush it away with a piece of paper.
  • Bees or wasps fallen onto the surface of swimming pool water will sting - avoid them
Remove the sting:
  • Bee stings remain in the skin and continue to inject venom for 45 to 60 seconds, so remove it as soon as possible and you greatly reduce the effects of the sting.
  • Don't rub or pluck the sting out, you'll only make it worse and increase the chance of further infection.
  • Use the blunt edge of a penknife (or similar object) to gently scrap it out, starting at the surface of the skin where the sting entered. Remember, the sting continues to inject so the quicker the better.
  • If a severe type of reaction occurs, or symptoms are noticed about 12" (300 mm) away from the immediate sting area, see a doctor immediately.
  • Symptoms can begin immediately following the sting or up to 30 minutes later and may last for hours.
Clean the wound:
  • After the sting has been removed, wash the wound (soap and water is best).
  • Read the instructions and apply over the counter antihistamine preparations and / or a cold water compress to relieve pain.
  • If no antihistamine is available try vinegar. Ibuprofen helps to quickly reduce the pain and swelling.
Severe reactions:
  • Observe victim's reactions in case of severe reaction or Anaphylaxis.
  • Watch out for severe reactions, i.e. shock, dizziness, unconsciousness, difficult breathing.
  • ALWAYS seek medical attention immediately (999 or 112 in the UK) if the sting produces any severe symptoms or if stung on the neck or mouth, as swellings can cause suffocation.
Anaphylaxis:
If highly allergic to stings you can suffer life threatening reactions, such as unconsciousness, shock, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, and throat blockage because of swelling in the throat. Blood pressure can drop dangerously low with fluid building up in the lungs. You could die of anaphylactic shock unless you are given urgent medical attention.
Contact your Doctor BEFORE venturing outdoors. The Doctor will prescribe an adrenaline injection kit for you to carry for use in an emergency.
Non life threatening reactions:
  • These can include some or all of the following: swelling, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and headaches.

Symptoms can begin immediately following the sting or up to 30 minutes later and may last for hours.

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Snakes in the United Kingdom

| grass snake | smooth snake | slow worm | adder | adder bites and First Aid

This information is for guidance only. You must always check a First Aid manual if in doubt.
None of our snakes present any real danger to walkers etc. So please don't kill / tease or trap them. Besides, it is a criminal affiance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Remember, they will not attack unless you provoke them!

Grass Snake (non-venomous)
Our largest snake, grows up to 120cm (4 feet.). Usually seen sunbathing on rocks (to warn their blood). Green or brownish in colour, quite slim with black-edged yellow or white crescent on each side of the neck. Black bars along the body and smaller black markings down the centre of its back. On the underside are white with black chequered markings.
Smooth Snake (non-venomous)
Quite rare in the UK. About 60cm (2 feet) in length, grey or brown colouring and 2 rows of dark spots along their backs with spotted marks on their sides. Marks on their heads resemble a hourglass or fiqure of by law and very rare, only found in Surrey, Dorset, and Hampshire.
Slow Worm (non-venomous)
This is a legless lizard similar to a snake but not as supple. Moves in a jerky way. Appears polished or metallic with closable eyelids (don't expect a wink ;-)).
Adder ( venomous )
A bite from Adder is not a life-threatening issue in most situations, so don't panic. The venom is not very potent or quick acting. Those who get bitten have tried to pick one up or have been teasing it - serves them right! The Adder will always try to escape so let it! They are quite small being about 60cm (2 feet) in length with a dirty yellow to white colour (males). The females brown or reddish. More rarely you may encounter an all black adder. Look out for a dark zig-zag stripe along the back, and dark bars / blotches along their sides, also a 'X' - or 'V' shaped mark on top of the head.
If you get bitten
Seek medical attention as soon as possible but the above all else keep calm and don't panic as this will increase your blood pressure allowing the venom to circulate better. Don't try to catch the snake and please don't kill it! .
Reassure a victim often. Remind them it is almost unheard of to die from a Adder bite.
Immobilise the affected area if possible, affected part lower than the heart.
Wash the wound with clean water if possible.
IMPORTANT: DON'T APPLY A TOURNIQUET AND DON'T CARRY OUT ANY FIRST AID UNLESS FULLY TRAINED
Bandage the whole of the limb area and immobilise - never use a tourniquet. If no bandages use a clean strip of clothing etc.
Take them calmly to the nearest hospital.

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Farmers

  • Yes, Farmers can and will bite! Just try letting your dog run riot amongst his sheep. Before you can say s*** he will have let off two rounds of twelve bore in your dogs direction. Best to use a bit of common sense and keep the dog on a lead.
  • Note: farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs (and do quite often) on their land if they consider that dogs are worrying their livestock.
  • PS Regarding field gates, if you find a gate open - leave it open. If found closed - close it after you.

Dead birds

Do not touch ANY dead bird. Certain viruses (West Nile Virus?) can be carried on dead birds which may be lethal to humans. Recent cases have occurred in the USA

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