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Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

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Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#101
post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would much rather encounter a hungry tick on a recreational trail than a hungry wolf

Make sure the wolves are well fed.

You just have to outrun the other hikers.

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#102
post #80

Seems likely that ticks should go in the same category as mosquitoes -- how long until we use gene-drive tech to completely eradicate them?

At what cost to the larger ecosystem. They are the base of a larger food web. Many creatures rely on eating them

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#103
post #94
post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would much rather encounter a hungry tick on a recreational trail than a hungry wolf

Given the utter paucity of wolf attacks on humans (vastly, incomprehensibly lower than the rates of Lyme disease), this is a deeply silly thing to worry about. It’s really clear, sometimes, who hasn’t seen a place that isn’t paved.

This feels like a generalisable cognitive bug with our species.

"Kill all the wolves, die as a result from invisible bacteria carried by tiny arthropods - or from Type 2 diabetic heart failure, as getting out for a hike and staying safe is now too much hassle".

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#104
post #94
post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would much rather encounter a hungry tick on a recreational trail than a hungry wolf

Given the utter paucity of wolf attacks on humans (vastly, incomprehensibly lower than the rates of Lyme disease), this is a deeply silly thing to worry about. It’s really clear, sometimes, who hasn’t seen a place that isn’t paved.

So I don't necessarily disagree with you but people way more rugged than we are and who didn't even knew what a paved road was decided to get rid of wolves a long time ago.

Moreover, what I observed is that urban professional class populations are usually way more in favor of wolves reintroduction than rural working class population.

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#105
post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Given the utter paucity of wolf attacks on humans (vastly, incomprehensibly lower than the rates of Lyme disease), this is a deeply silly thing to worry about. It’s really clear, sometimes, who hasn’t seen a place that isn’t paved.

So I don't necessarily disagree with you but people way more rugged than we are and who didn't even knew what a paved road was decided to get rid of wolves a long time ago. Moreover, what I observed is that urban professional class populations are usually way more in favor of wolves reintroduction than rural working class population.

> Moreover, what I observed is that urban professional class populations are usually way more in favor of wolves reintroduction than rural working class population.

Perhaps their reasons is an economic one (wolf attacks on livestock) and not an human safety one ?

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#106
post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So I don't necessarily disagree with you but people way more rugged than we are and who didn't even knew what a paved road was decided to get rid of wolves a long time ago. Moreover, what I observed is that urban professional class populations are usually way more in favor of wolves reintroduction than rural working class population.

> Moreover, what I observed is that urban professional class populations are usually way more in favor of wolves reintroduction than rural working class population. Perhaps their reasons is an economic one (wolf attacks on livestock) and not an human safety one ?

It is definitely an economic one. I occasionally help on a sheep farm which has not been attacked. But colleagues on farms in neighbouring counties have had sheep killed by local wolves. Even if they publicly claim they they lost a lot of money and work (which is true) they also say also fear for their safety. However, in private they are not worried, they know the wolves will flee as soon as a human appears.

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#107
post #80

Seems likely that ticks should go in the same category as mosquitoes -- how long until we use gene-drive tech to completely eradicate them?

At what cost to the larger ecosystem. They are the base of a larger food web. Many creatures rely on eating them

What are you talking about? That's absolutely not the case for ticks. And for mosquitos it's often doubtful at best, and false when it comes to disease carrying species as there are plenty of other species available.

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#108
Wearing appropriate clothing for walking grassy trails is 95% of the solution. Decent walking boots, trousers in socks and a long sleeved shirt goes a very long way.

And no, it does not have to be too warm if you use an appropriate light and wicking fabric.

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's only hazardous when wet. I spray my clothes and then let them dry on the clothesline.

Don't sweat?

I have a peculiar medical condition which is that I don't sweat... because I had suffered what I would describe as an overdose of adrenaline in the Falkland's War.

Re: Reducing tick density along recreational trails in Ottawa, Canada

#110
post #107

Earlier quoted context omitted.

At what cost to the larger ecosystem. They are the base of a larger food web. Many creatures rely on eating them

What are you talking about? That's absolutely not the case for ticks. And for mosquitos it's often doubtful at best, and false when it comes to disease carrying species as there are plenty of other species available.

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