Departments of BIO and EES
Be aware of the risks associated with exposure to organisms you may encounter:
insects, and allergenic plant materials (e.g., poison ivy, Rhus radicans).
ticks, which may carry Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis
mosquitos, which may carry West Nile virus
poisonous snakes (i.e., southern copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix and the cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorous) that occur in low numbers at our field sites.
Minimize exposure to ticks and mosquitoes, by wearing long pants and sleeves to keep skin covered. Tucking your pant legs into your socks gives you added protection from crawling organisms. You may also choose to use insect repellent, carefully following label directions.
DEET can be applied directly to skin but do not apply over cuts, or irritated skin; do not spray near eyes or mouth (apply to hands and then rub carefully on face); do not use in excess; do not use under clothes; wash as soon as you no longer need the repellent. DEET concentrations above 50% confer no added protection.
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that can be used to protect from mosquitoes and from ticks. It should be applied to clothing and not directly to the skin.
Dress appropriately and bring your own personal gear
Wear old jeans/clothes and comfortable walking shoes that you will not mind getting dirty and wet. Some labs will require that you wade into swamps and wetlands. Even in warm weather, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, and a hat are recommended for protection from abrasion and exposure to insects and allergenic plants.
Bring a light raincoat as well. Laboratory exercises will be conducted rain or shine.
Bring a personal supply of water, insect/tick repellents, a small snack.
Bring writing materials, lab handouts and any necessary lab equipment.
Always keep up with the class. Do not separate from the group (i.e., do not hike off for any reason) unless first given permission from the instructor. Always work with someone else and be certain others know your whereabouts.
Report any accidents or injuries to the instructor immediately. Nausea and light-headedness are two early warning signs of heat stroke. Please notify the instructor if you begin to feel heat stressed during the lab. Drink plenty of water while outdoors!