As the weather cools down and the great outdoors beckons, it's time to talk about one of the most unwelcome visitors to your backyard: ticks. This episode of The Big Outdoors delves into the world of these pesky parasites, exploring the latest research and insights from Dr. Risa Pesapain, an expert in tick-borne diseases from the Ohio State University.

Dr. Pesapain shares her expertise on the changing landscape of ticks in Ohio, where the number of species and cases of tick-borne diseases have skyrocketed in recent years. From the Asian longhorn tick to the black-legged tick, we discuss the most common types of ticks and the diseases they carry, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal. We also explore the reasons behind the surge in tick populations and the impact on local wildlife.

One of the most fascinating topics discussed is the unique life cycle of ticks, which involves feeding only once per life stage and molting to progress to the next stage. We also touch on the importance of understanding the relationship between ticks and their hosts, including deer and birds. With the rise of tick-borne diseases, it's essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you're concerned about ticks and want to contribute to the research, Dr. Pesapain invites listeners to submit ticks they encounter to her lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the world of ticks and how to stay safe