We are in the Dog Days of a very warm Minnesota Summer! The weather is perfect for lakeshore picnics and weekends at the cabin. Many Minnesotans are itching to get out and enjoy the beauty of our area but nobody wants to be literally "itching". It is time to heed the warning of potential hazards on Minnesota acreage.

Anoka, Chisago  and Washington Counties in Minnesota boast some of the most beautiful, desirable acreage and lakeshore properties in the state. As a REALTOR® who works throughout the Ham Lake, Forest Lake, Blaine and Lino Lakes areas, I have to walk acres with clients to assess the land.  We walk the perimeters of wetland and hobby farm acreage properties to understand the property lines. Whether in a suburban backyard or  wooded field, whenever I show homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There can be dangers lurking in the underbrush.

Poison Ivy-- It is important to be extremely 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 will be rampant in the Summer
  • Classic poison ivy is grown to full "itchy" potential in the early summer.
  • Some leaves are notched.
  • Some leaves are not.
  • New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish.
  • Older leaves are duller.
  • Be careful not to accidentally burn poison ivy as you can have an allergic reaction to breathing in smoke too!
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 found on Minnesota AcreageWood 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 Black-legged 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.Mosquito found on Minnesota acreage and wetlands
For additional information on ticks commonly found in Minnesota, read article "Minnesota Ticks and Their Control", by Jeffery D. Hahn.

Mosquitos--And don't forget that mosquitoes that are found in the wetland acreage. Mosquito bites are for the most part just annoyingly itchy in the spring. But in the fall, there is more of a risk of West Nile and encephalitis. This disease can be extremely serious and occasionally deadly, so mosquito spray is an essential when veiwing homes located near ponds, lakes and wetlands.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Theresa "Teri" Eckholm, 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.

 

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2013 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

 

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5 Comments on Dangers Lurking in the Minnesota Underbrush

JUL
13
447,681 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

There's nothing like a good dose of poison ivy to ruin a summer vacation Teri.
7:54am • #1
1,327,156 Points 188 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Teri, the poisonous plants, ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers for some areas of the country are not to be taken lightly till when you get home and see all the damage done. Mosquitoes are the toughest as they seem to get you coming and going particularly in Minnesota and Florida. You'll REMEMBER poison ivy, oak, or sumac when that gets you.
8:04am • #2
353,891 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teri

All I can say is I am glad I live in the Napa Valley where we have poison oak and not poison ivy. I use the old tri-lateral leaf rule in staying away for the only other plant I know which has them is berries but the leaves are serrated. I am not a woodsy type but I sure would have a tough time distinguishing poison ivy based one your test. cheers cvc
8:14am • #3
1,113,901 Points 115 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Teri oh how I remember all these pesky things in MN.  We were always on the lookout for posion ivy and checked for ticks when hiking etc.  As for mosquitos I think I own stock in Cutters!
11:01am • #4
JUL
14
1,401,043 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Burning poison Ivy is very dangerous.  I have a cousin who did this and inhales some of the smoke.  took sevedral months of treatment to clear his lungs.
7:20am • #5

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Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Ham Lake, MN

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REMAX Specialists

Address: 4910 Highway 61 N, White Bear Lake , MN, 55110

Cell Phone: (651) 336-7073

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Theresa "Teri" Eckholm/REMAX Specialists assists Minnesotans to find their way home with helpful tips and quality service. Dedication to customer service has made Teri the REALTOR® of choice for families in Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Wyoming areas. Licensed in MN.


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