Spring has finally sprung in Minnesota! We are all itching to get out and enjoy the beauty of our area but if you don't want to be literally "itching" heed the warning of dangers in the underbrush on Minnesota acreage.
Anoka, Washington 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 clients to assess the land. I walk the perimeter of wetland and hobby farm acreage properties with potential sellers to understand the property lines. Likewise, I walk th
rough backyards and wooded underbrush with buyers. Whenever showing homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There are dangers lurking in the underbrush.
rough backyards and wooded underbrush with buyers. Whenever showing homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There are 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.
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.
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.
Wood Ticks/Deer Ticks--While the woods are often a haven for white-tailed deer, the beauty of theseanimals 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.
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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.
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