Anoka and Chisago Counties in Minnesota boast some of the most beautiful, desirable acreage properties in the state. As a Realtor in the Ham Lake, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes area, I have to walk acres with my buyers to assess the land. I walk the perimeter of properties with potential sellers to understand the property lines. Whenever showing homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There are dangers lurking in the underbrush.
Poison Ivy--Be very aware of these poisonous plants as they are all over in Minnesota yards and wooded areas. Many property owners don't even realize the plants are poison ivy. Poison ivy is found all over the US while a close relative poison oak is found most often in the west. The plants to have a similar look and exposure to either of these plants will cause a similar, painfully itchy reaction.
Poison Ivy in Summer
- Classic poison ivy in full swing.
- Some leaves are notched.
- Some leaves are not.
- New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish.
- Older leaves are duller.
Photo courtesy of http://www.poison-ivy.org/
Poison ivy can be a ground cover, a vine or a bush. One small neglected patch can spread very quickly to a huge area. Exposure to this plant is an itchy nightmare that can last for several weeks unless treated with prescription medicines, usually steroids. These plants can leave oil on clothing which can spread in the laundry. Be aware of this hazard when walking in any wooded area that you are unfamiliar with.
Think you can identify poison ivy? Take the POISON IVY PHOTO QUIZ
Wood Ticks/Deer Ticks--While the woods are often a haven for white-tailed deer, the beauty of these animals is overshadowed by a frightening reality. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease; a painful disease that can be quite debilitating if untreated. Deer ticks (or Blacklegged ticks) are rarely found in maintained yards and are very tiny and often not noticed even after having bitten a host. The best defense is prevention of a deer tick bite.- Dress Appropriately When walking acreage with underbrush or on property that has not been maintained, wear long sleeves and tuck in pant legs.
- Use Bug Spray Effective repellents include DEET and Permanone. Spray clothing with Permanone repellent prior to wearing as it is not to be sprayed directly on the skin. DEET can be used on clothing and/or skin.
For additional information on ticks commonly found in Minnesota, read article "Minnesota Ticks and Their Control", by Jeffery D. Hahn.
If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. Acreage homes are my specialty! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota..JPG)
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Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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Okay...yuk and yuk ...but good info to know if I get out that way. My daughter lived in south texas before she came home and she called and told me she ripped a vine out in the back yard and it turned out to be poison ivy. I guess she could've used this quiz..haha.
As for that disgusting animal..oh, tick. I am proud to say my doggie does not have fleas or ticks. I would freak out if I saw one on her.
Sally--I agree 100% with the Yuk description but Realtors and homeowners do happen upon these wonders of nature whether we want to or not!
As for your daughter, let her know if she comes upon a new ivy vine to not burn it. In reading on the poison ivy site, I discovered that can cause severe problems if you breathe in the fumes.
Also, the biggest problem with deer ticks is that they are much smaller than dog ticks. About the size of the tip of a ball point pen. Most people don't realize they have been bitten until they are showing symptoms.
I can say that the Colorado mountains do not have much poison ivy. My Southern pals are always up and down with bouts of the stuff. Thanks for the tips.