Insects, Spiders, Centipedes, Millipedes

Pollinators such as this bee contribute to the reproduction of plants. NPS/Willis

Some may see insects as pests, however, they are a crucial component of the ecosystems here at Gulf Islands. From the biting sand flies to the beautiful monarch, all insects play a role in the health of the environment. With butterflies and buzzing bees drinking nectar from flowers to spiders and dragonflies, there are so many insects to discover.

Though most of these insects are harmless, some are vectors of disease. Some insects you may come across while at Gulf Islands that can potentially be vectors of disease include the following:

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk during the warmest months of the year, which can increase the risk of mosquito borne diseases.

To help reduce your chance of getting bit by a mosquito follow these rules from: One Health and Disease: Mosquito-Borne Disease

Ticks

Ticks are typically found in woody, bushy and high grass areas. Ticks feed on the blood of mammals such as humans and can spread disease this way.

The most common kinds of diseases that ticks transmit in Florida and Mississippi include: Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Spotted fever rickettsiosis. To find out more about tick borne dieases: One Health and Disease: Tick-Borne Disease

Ways to prevent tick bites include:

• Wear the clothing that covers your entire body: ex: long sleeve shirts, long pants, long socks.

• Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litterStay towards the center of a trail if hiking

• Perform tick checks during and after a hike
• Use repellent that contains 20-30% DEET or permethrin

 

Monarch Butterfly