Does anyone know what this is? I found it crawling on my son’s leg after a walk in the woods. It looked like a tick… but that weird white spot really freaked me out. I’m kinda scared. Has anyone seen one like this before? Should I be worried?

Rethinking Outdoor Safety in Your Own Backyard
Posted onFebruary 3, 2026 ByadminNo Commentson Rethinking Outdoor Safety in Your Own Backyard
The first step was changing how I viewed a place I once considered completely harmless. A small, unsettling discovery outdoors prompted me to pay closer attention to what happens after every walk or moment spent in the yard. I began checking my pet’s fur more carefully, looking over my own skin, and educating myself about…

The first step was changing how I viewed a place I once considered completely harmless. A small, unsettling discovery outdoors prompted me to pay closer attention to what happens after every walk or moment spent in the yard. I began checking my pet’s fur more carefully, looking over my own skin, and educating myself about common outdoor pests. Understanding their behavior—especially that some actively seek hosts rather than waiting passively—was uncomfortable, but knowledge replaced fear with preparedness.

The next step was adjusting daily habits. Yard work no longer meant shorts and sandals without thought. I started wearing long sleeves and pants, treating footwear with appropriate sprays, and keeping vegetation neatly trimmed, especially around borders where pests tend to gather. These changes were simple, but they made outdoor routines feel more intentional and far safer.