Just interested to know if anyone getting messy in mud has had any bad experiences with biting insects, ticks, leeches etc or encountered any other bad things in mud like glass or sharp rocks?
I'm about to try a new mud location in a field but got the fear about ticks! (UK)
I'm interested to know what safety precautions people take when sinking in deep mud, especially when it's a new area.
Inland marshy areas can be bad for midges and horseflies - some of those I would only return to on breezy days! I have picked up a tick once or twice, but I grew up in a rural bit of Argyll with lots of deer, so removing them is fairly routine. And those are on the walk in rather than the mud itself, so it's no worse than a country walk really. Leeches I've seen in a couple of places I swim, but the most common UK species are horse leeches which look alarming but don't attach to people - the species that do are relatively rare. I haven't encountered anthing I'd be bothered by in tidal mud. Ragworm can nip, but tend to be in firmer, sander areas than I look for, and the tiny invertebrates in the softer mud are harmless. I do sometimes wear rubber swim booties to protect my feet in unfamiliar areas until I've checked it out. And I've had one nasty cut from a reed that caught between my toes and pulled through, like a deep paper between two toes.
I consider you to be blessed living in the UK because there isn't really anything that can actual do much harm to you - other than give you a nasty bite!
Here in the colonies we have to cope with killer spiders and snakes... that said, I have been living in Australia for 27 years and have only ever seen one deadly snake and a couple of funnel web spiders, and that wasn't in the bush!
Walking to the mud through long grass is where I have to be careful of Ticks, March Flies (they bite and they hurt) and of course snakes. Insect repellent generally takes care of the ticks and flies, and just a keen eye avoids contact with snakes.
When I get into the mud the only local inhabitants I tend to upset are the crabs... they're only small but do occasionally nip if I happen to get to close to their homes.
Re safety precautions for sinking in deep mud... well... always try to tell someone where you are going... this may be difficult if your fetish is a secret.
It's probably a good idea to wear something on your feet when you're stepping into new muddy areas as you really don't know what's under the surface.
If you're an experienced sinker then you'll know the physics behind sinking and what you need to do to get yourself out. I guess if you don't feel fully confident about being able to resurface or free yourself then don't take the plunge.
Going with a friend is also a good plan... they can be on hand if something goes wrong.
I wish you a very safe and happy summer of muddy fun.... I hope the weather is good to you
I was barefoot somewhere and I may have walked over a stick that cut my bottom foot while I was in cold mud didn't feel anything till a day later
I tend to check for glass and sharp rocks One thing is I lay down and reach slowly and move sticks and rocks or anything else out of the way.
Enjoy your adventure Id recommend if it's a new place to go with someone if possible or at least have someone check in on you hourly and have your location on hand.
Love you, too
