The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and the flowers are in bloom which means that spring has definitely sprung in south Alabama! However, to the avid outdoorsman, this beautiful season also brings with it unwanted nuisances such as snakes, mosquitoes, ticks and red bugs. Don’t let those spring-time pests ruin a good day’s hunt or outdoor adventure by following these simple tips.

Snakes

Best prevention: Wear snake boots, gaiters or chaps.

Tip: Be aware of your surroundings! Most venomous Southern snakes are camouflaged, so always be aware of where you are stepping, reaching and sitting.

What to do if bitten: Try to remember shape and color of snake. Immediately seek medical assistance. Try to keep wound below level of heart.

What NOT to do if bitten: Don’t apply a tourniquet, suck out venom, cut wound open or apply ice.

Mosquitoes and flying insects

Best mosquito prevention: Use a Thermacell. This device costs around $30 and is personally the best mosquito repellent I’ve ever used (and mosquitoes love me). Manufacturer also claims it prevents “no-seeums.”

Other flying insect prevention: Avon Skin So Soft or any bug spray containing DEET tends to work well for mosquitoes, “bull gnats,” “no-seeums,” etc.

Ticks and red bugs (aka chiggers)

Best prevention: Cover as much skin as possible. Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. Tuck shirt in waistband. Wear tall socks and tuck pants in boots. Apply bug repellent to waist and feet directly. Apply bug repellent containing DEET or Permethrin to clothes (not skin).

Tips: Avoid sitting directly on ground when hunting. Sit on cushion or small chair. Shower immediately when finished. Be sure to look over entire body for ticks.

How to remove a tick: Grasp tick with tweezers as close to skin as possible and pull upward. Clean area with alcohol — or soap and water — afterward. Seek medical assistance immediately if rash, fever, headache, muscle pain and/or any gastrointestinal symptoms develop.