Insects
TICKS
Ticks are wingless parasites which depend on blood for existence. Grassy, brushy, low elevation areas (4000 - 6500 feet) are ideal tick habitat in Yellowstone from mid-March to mid-July. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease occurrences have been rare and very few tick related diseases have been reported in Yellowstone.
HOW TO AVOID TICKS
Wear repellents containing DEET and tuck pant legs into boots; tuck shirts into pants.
Inspect your clothes in the field. Check your body at home.
WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN BY A TICK
Cover the tick with vaseline or some type of non-odorous lotion, this will normally cause the tick to suffocate and release itself. Or apply some type of heat to or near the tick body, this will normally cause the tick to release itself and you can brush it off. As a last resort, remove the tick by grasping it as near to the skin as possible, gently pulling it out with tweezers. Check to see whether the mouthparts broke off in the wound. If so, seek medical attention.
MOSQUITOS
Mosquitos are found throughout Yellowstone from June until early August. Although mosquitos may be pests to most people, they are factors in the control of some animal populations and in turn provide food for birds and fish. Mosquitos concentrate in wet areas such as marches, bogs, and lakes and are attracted to dark or bright colors and sweet or floral scents. The most effective repellents are those containing diethyltoluamide (DEET). Other than repellents and wearing heavy clothing, patience and forbearance are your best options.
This information is provided by the National Park Service Backcountry Office.
You can write or call the backcountry office at:
Backcountry Office
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Phone: 307-344-2160
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