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Avoid Outdoor Pests

Going outside? Take precautions against Missouri's worst summertime pests: chiggers, mosquitoes, poison ivy, ticks and yellow jackets.

The links under Related Information below help you tell the good guys from bad guys, know their habits and habitats, avoid them when you can, and treat the painful marks they leave when you can't.

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Related Information

  • Chiggers

    The worst thing about Missouri summers is chiggers. They are nearly invisible but leave itchy red welts. Avoid their habitat areas, especially after noon.

  • Mosquitoes

    Who likes mosquitoes? Certainly not people! However, mosquitoes have lived on Earth for millions of years, and all that time they’ve been feeding fish with their legions of “wriggler” larvae.

  • Poison Ivy

    This toxic plant contains an oil in all its parts that, if you come into contact with it, can cause an intense skin reaction. This is no reason to stay indoors, however! Learn to recognize poison ivy, and sidestep it on your outings.

  • Ticks

    Some of the most problematic animals in Missouri, ticks drink the blood of humans and other mammals. The idea of blood-sucking parasites is hideous enough, but ticks are known carriers of serious, sometimes deadly diseases. Learn more about these large mites and how to protect yourself from their bites.

  • Yellow Jackets

    Yellow jackets are bee-sized social wasps that build paper nests, usually underground. Their defensive stinging makes them a major pest when they nest near people. If you want to eliminate a yellow jacket nest, consult a licensed exterminator.

External Links

Other Content You May Like

  • Frozen Ticks and Chiggers?

    After Missouri experienced some bitter cold temperatures during the first 10 days of the new year, I received questions regarding the effects of the low temperatures on this year’s populations of ticks, chiggers, armadillos and insects.

  • Missouri's Most Irritating Plant

    For instigating itches, rashes and discomfort, few plants can compete with poison ivy.

  • Poison Ivy

    This toxic plant contains an oil in all its parts that, if you come into contact with it, can cause an intense skin reaction. This is no reason to stay indoors, however! Learn to recognize poison ivy, and sidestep it on your outings.

  • Poison Ivy Control

    Browse methods for controlling poison ivy in Missouri.

  • Tiny, Tenacious, Terrible Ticks

    They look repulsive, and their behavior is downright nasty.

  • Ticks

    Some of the most problematic animals in Missouri, ticks drink the blood of humans and other mammals. The idea of blood-sucking parasites is hideous enough, but ticks are known carriers of serious, sometimes deadly diseases. Learn more about these large mites and how to protect yourself from their bites.

  • Lyme Disease in Deer

    There has never been a documented case of a human contracting Lyme disease through the handling or consumption of venison. Learn more.

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