Keep your eyes peeled for these creepy crawlies ...
Summer has definitely made its way to the DMV area. Warmer temperatures mean everyone will spend more time outside enjoying all that nature has to offer. But before you head out, you need to be aware of these creepy crawlies that might cross your path.
Cicadas
Last year, Brood X made its way to the surface and terrorized the Northeast for a couple of months. Apparently, some of the brood slept in and will be making a late appearance this summer. Don’t expect to see swarms in the large numbers we saw last year, in fact, you may not see them at all. The cicadas that do emerge will probably do so in mid to late April and get scooped up by birds or other predators.
Lone Star Tick
Marylanders are used to dealing with ticks, but a bite from this tick could leave you with a lifelong meat allergy. Lone Star Ticks could carry the Alpha-gal sugar, a molecule foreign to the human body. A bite from this tick could cause an allergic reaction that morphs into Alpha-gal Syndrome, an allergy to meat and dairy products. The tick can be identified by a white dot in the middle of its body. To avoid tick bites, wear permethrin-treated clothing and examine your body and clothing after spending time in the woods.
Joro Spider
If you’re scared of spiders, we have some bad news for you. A large flying spider is making its way to the mid-Atlantic region from the Southeast. The insects are up to 3 inches long and move around by creating their own web parachutes. The bugs aren’t harmful to people or pets but their mode of transport could surprise or shock someone who isn’t expecting the arachnid paratroopers.
Spotted Lanternfly
Once again, the state of Maryland is asking residents to look out for the Spotted Lanternfly this summer. The invasive moth feeds on plants that produce some of our favorite fruits, including grapes, peaches, and apples, making it dangerous to the state’s agriculture industry. If you see one, catch it and put in the freezer, and report it to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
