ROGERS -- Of the 1.3 million known species of insects that inhabit the earth, three of the most bothersome are local residents of northwest Arkansas -- ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes.
Dayton Steelman, emeritus professor of veterinary entomology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, will present his three-part program titled "Insects that Suck" on Saturday, July 19, at the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitor center.
The basic biology of ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes will be presented along with the disease-causing pathogens and parasites that they transmit to domestic and wild animals as well as to humans. Reference will be made to where these arthropods are encountered, how they relate to the host animal and their impact on the health of domestic and wild animals, birds and humans.
Since this is the time of year we encounter ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes, methods of prevention and control of these arthropods will also be discussed.
The public is invited to enjoy one, two or all three of these free, informative programs. The "Ticks" talk begins at 1 p.m. with "Chiggers" at 2 p.m. and "Mosquitoes" at 3 p.m.
The visitor center is located on U.S. 12 just east of its intersection with War Eagle Road.
This presentation is a continuation of the Friends of Hobbs Speaker's Series. For more information on Hobbs State Park programs, go to www.friendsofhobbs.com.
Community on 07/16/2014