Chiggers

["Dean Cutten" <>]

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