Bugged

LIAM LISTENING FOR THE BUG BUZZ

I thought we had more time this year before the biting bugs showed up. I was thinking that this colder and snowier winter might keep the blood sucking insects dormant. I was hoping that this winter with its great number of windy days might have blown my tormentors away. I was dreaming of outdoor reading serenaded by birds and airplanes. The only buzz I desired was a "feeling buzz" from my wine not a "hearing buzz" from mosquitoes whizzing around.


It is Saturday June 8th; Liam and I are sitting outside. I am on his right in the next photo. Liam is on insect and squirrel watch.  It is the early evening ending a serene dry day following the drenching showery tropical storm Andrea of Friday.  A safe sitting... no bites
Planes flying over clouds flying by
a thick lawn from the storms makes for a good rolling rug for Liam. I watch. Sipping wine. We are unbitten.

We reconvene Sunday evening June 9.  I carry out the papers, camera, Kindle, phone and books. Hoping for a good long sit with Liam. Sounds and smells of Sunday surround us... grill smoke wafting, children laughing, dogs barking to each other, all rolling in the deep
Then it happens .My leg is crazy itchy and that "must scratch" compulsion overtakes me. Within minutes I have helped rise up 5 huge welts, a circumference of an inch each. Biting bugs are here. Not only mosquitoes this year, others have joined the feast.

Only one day later and our yard is unsafe.
The attack of the insects.
War
No warning.

Why are they so hungry and numerous and large? Yes, these guys are big. I googled. Another present from Sandy. See link. Sandy left such incredible wetness that we never dried out.  Long Island is soggy and saturated and harboring insects. The warmer days have signaled to them that now is the time.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/05/29/mosquitoes-ticks-invading-post-sandy-long-island/

We do have weapons. See photos The citronella does not seem to work in our yard.  The insect repellents take off my nail polish, stain clothes, smudge print in books and papers, cause electronic devices to reboot and freeze. And then there is Liam. A lick might be poisonous. The bracelets work (thanks friend) but are limited to the immediate area of the wrist or the ankle.

WHERE ARE THE BUGS? LIAM WITH THIS WEAPON

Liam wields a mean Kong bone which he swings at the bugs. He hears them before I do; when his ears perk up something is near. His own toy doubles as an insect whacker.


What to do?  Not giving up...Ordering a zapper from Home depot. Probably sitting out will require hazmat gear or a fire pit which is not permitted (by a member of the household)

Liam found a spot on the side of the house for his latte licks...  the biting bugs stay in the back where the action is. I suppose we could all huddle on the side stoop, but we are not surrendering the backyard yet...
                  

Is staying in better? 





 

                                                              




          

or is a quick roll worth it?

                        











Not giving up...looking forward to blogging a story entitled  Debugged

NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER

 Woof, Woof