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Alaska's Pests
The pests of most concern to Alaska's visitors are insects, although fortunately these annoying bugs do not transmit disease-causing agents to humans in Alaska. At worst, a visitor may have an allergic reaction to a sting, in which case he or she should carry the necessary precautions against a severe reaction.
Black Flies (Or White Sox) and Simulids
These bugs have nasty bites that can itch and swell for weeks! The biting season starts in May and lasts until things start freezing up. Their activity is relatively localized, mostly around the streams from which the adults emerge. These are crawlers, and will crawl under clothing to bite the skin, so tucking your pants into your socks and wearing a light, hooded parka with tight wrists and a drawstring hood will greatly reduce biting.
No-see-ums
While these guys usually annoy livestock, they will sometimes bite a human. Truthfully, their loud buzz of attack is probably the most obnoxious thing about them. Their bites are rather painful though, and they can bite through light clothing. However, their bites have little, if any, side effect. Tightly woven outer garments that do not directly contact the body help prevent biting.
Stinging Insects
Alaska does have its own share of stingers, like yellow-jackets, hornets, wasps, and bees. Their venom is painful and itchy for awhile, but usually not otherwise dangerous. However, severe allergic reactions to these stingers can be fatal. These insects are often attracted to meat, fish, food, sweets, garbage, and moisture. They aren't usually aggressive, but they will sting if provoked. They tend to retreat to their nests at dark.
Blow Flies
Blow flies, and other animals attracted to filth, breed in animal and human feces, decaying organic material, and garbage. The adults are attracted to human food, which they contaminate with bacteria as they walk over it. Proper disposal of human wastes and garbage will help eliminate the problem, so please use appropriate containers and waste dumping stations.
Schistosomes (Swimmer's Itch)
The larvae of Schistosomes can cause Swimmers's Itch, an irritating condition of itching and scratching that can last for up to a week. These larvae get under your skin when you swim in local waters, especially areas that are shallow and warm. It's best to avoid these areas, especially if you hear about other swimmers complaining about the problem. If you towel yourself off effectively and thoroughly, this can remove the larvae before they make it under the skin.
Leeches
Alaska's lakes and ponds do play host to a few kinds of leeches, and at least one will attach itself to a human host. They are found in, but not necessarily restricted to, Southcentral Alaska.
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