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Buying Acreage? Be Aware of the Dangers Lurking in the Minnesota Underbrush!

By
Real Estate Agent with Boardman Realty Minnesota License#90858
Anoka, Chisago, and Washington Counties in Minnesota boast some of the most beautiful, desirable acreage properties in the state. As a REALTOR® in the Columbus, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes area, I have to walk acres with my home buyers to assess the land. I walk the perimeter of properties with potential acreage 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 aware and on the look out for 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 is in full swing
  • Some leaves are notched and some are not
  • New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish
  • Older leaves are duller in color

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 know what poison ivy looks like? Take a quick 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. Hats are a good idea to keep ticks out of your hair and off your head!
  • 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 “Ticks and Their Control”, by Jeffery D. Hahn Of course ticks aren’t the only biting critters on acreage. If walking an acreage property in the evening or near a lake or wetland, I am prepared to ward off mosquitoes, deer flies and no-see-ems too. Luckily, the advice for ticks, a good bug spray with DEET, a hat and long sleeves, works to a keep bites from these pests to a minimum as well.

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6711 W Broadway Ave NE, Columbus MN 55025 Wildlife and privacy galore! 3 bedroom rambler on 35 Acres near the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management area.
Posted by

Teri Eckholm. REALTOR with Boardman Realty, is a native Minnesotan who has lived and worked in the Minneapolis St Paul metro all of her life. She specializes in lakeshore homes, acreage properties and first time home buyers but assists anyone making a move in the north and east Twin Cities metro.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give Teri , a call or visit her website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report She 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.

Copyright 2019 terieckholm.com

 

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Comments (6)

Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

What a great reminder and alert to provide to your clients/friends/family!  We definitely have poison oak in some areas of San Diego County and it is painful.     Susan

Jun 03, 2010 03:08 AM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

Thanks for the reminder!! It is that time of year to be so aware of.  Have a great weekend!

Jun 03, 2010 06:53 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Teri  Your post is very timely - poisonous plants appear harmless in many cases.  Nothing like being cautious  Karen

Jun 03, 2010 11:20 AM
Adam Malachi
A 2 Z Realty LLC - Castle Rock, CO
QSC,CDPE,CIPS,CNE,CRB,CRS,GRI,MRE,SFR

Great post! Excellent reminder! Life saving information's!

Thanks for sharing.

Adam

Jun 04, 2010 03:02 AM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

Laxton Cty--Anything that makes you itch would take the fun out of summer!

Lizette--Thanks...And I hope you have an awesome weekend too!

Karen--We have poison ivy in our yard...we are all aware of what it looks like now so we can spray and kill it but those first few years....not so great for spotting until it was too late!

Adam--Thanks!

Jun 04, 2010 03:57 PM
Teri Deane
RE/MAX 100 - Columbia, MD
Realtor, ABR, CRS, SFR - The Deane Team

Colorado (my home state) is full of poison ivy in the mountains.  Some years ago they had serious forest fires and the firefighters had to be hospitalized from inhaling toxins from the burning poison ivy!  

Jun 05, 2010 02:48 AM