Something dropped onto the nape of my neck and slowly scuttled down toward my right shoulder blade. Reflexively, I reached back with my left hand and squished the unseen creature between my thumb and forefinger with enough force to crush a Skittle.

Not feeling any pop or give, I was startled to see that it was a large tick. Intending to burn the little beast, I drowned it in the dregs of my tea instead.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of multiple hairy insect legs crawling over naked skin, and I would gladly never again like to experience it again. Especially little insects that can pass on diseases that can kill me or severely impact my quality of life...