Bugs You Need to Watch for While Hiking in Illinois

Hiking in Illinois is one of my favorite ways to unplug, get outside, and explore, whether it's wooded trails, prairie paths, or bluff overlooks.  But if there's one thing I always do after every single hike, it's check for ticks.

It doesn't matter if I was out for a quick nature walk or spent hours on a trail, a tick check is always part of my routine.  In Illinois, ticks are something hikers really have to be aware of, especially in spiring and summer when they're most active.  Tall grass, brush, leaf litter... basically all the places we love to hike can also be prime tick territory.

Bugs You Need to Watch for While Hiking in Illinois

Ticks aren't the only bugs you should watch out for as you get outdoors more often.  Mosquitoes can be relentless near wooded areas and water, and those bites can make a peaceful hike miserable fast.  Chiggers are another tiny pest a lot of people don't think about, like ever.

I also keep an eye for biting flies, which can be surprisingly aggressive on some trails, and stinging insects like ground bees and wasps, especially around fallen logs or brushy areas.  Even spiders can be something to watch for when stepping off trail or brushing through overgrowth.  They were all over at my last hike and I nearly lost it!

None of it keeps me from hiking at Rock Cut, Devil's Lake, or Starved Rock, though.  It just comes with being prepared outdoors.  Illinois has way too many beautiful trails to avoid, and knowing what bugs to watch out for make the adventure a little easier to focus on.