I've also struck the mites which fall from the Metallic Starling nests
in Iron Range whilst checking out the Eclectus Parrots. They caused some
red blotches but didn't itch too badly. Are these what Alan is referring
to as chiggers ? The trick is to try not to walk under the Starling nest
trees - the mites not only fall on you but they are easily picked up
from the grass. I've heard of Lyme Disease but fortunately haven't
suffered that one yet - I've had plenty of other ticks though.
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Dean Cutten
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2009 8:10 PM
To: Birding_Aus _Server
Subject: Chiggers
Tony/Alan/AusBirders,
Yes we have experienced the effects of the tropical mites in the Iron
Range
Forest in Aug. 2004. We believe we picked them up while standing talking
to
a couple for about 1/2 hour after seeing a small group of Electus
Parrots.
My wife had to go to Bamaga Hospital for medication as she is allergic
to
mite bites which made her really sick and produced large welts. There
are
Chiggers in many areas in the USA and I experienced several attacks over
the
13 years we were living in Northern Alabama. Another nasty in the woods
there is Poison Ivy, a low lying creeper. Just brushing against the
leaves
will bring up festering sores. Ticks can also be a problem as ~10% of
them
can carry diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain fever. However, on the
whole
it is better walking in the forests here without having to worry about
nasties.
Dean Cutten
Victor Harbor, SA
Australia
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