Now that the weather is nice, many people are venturing outdoors and hiking with friends and family. So, we thought it would be a good idea to give you some tips on how to avoid ticks while hiking.
Wear Some Insect Repellant to Avoid Ticks While Hiking
This is one of the best ways that you can avoid ticks while hiking. The ones that the CDC has approved includes:
- DEET
- OLE
- Piacridin
- PMD
Spray Gear with Permethrin to Avoid Ticks While Hiking
Before you go outside, spray down your gear, hiking footwear, and clothing with permethrin. This insecticide kills black flies, mosquitos and ticks. It won’t harm dogs or humans and it’s effective on gear and clothing for several washings.
Become Educated
Do some research and understand how bad the tick population is where you will be going. Read the trip reports on the hiking route you intend to take to check the current conditions. Understand your risks as well as the ways that you are able to protect yourself.
Minimize Your Contact With the Ticks
Don’t hike in bushy areas, areas that are heavily wooded or tall grass. If you are taking a break, use a chair or put something down to sit on. Also, stay in the trail’s center. This will help you avoid ticks while hiking.
Wear the Right Colors
When you’re in tick country, you should wear light colors. This will make the ticks easier to see. You also should not wear shorts. Wear your long pants, and then tuck your pants in your socks. This will stop them from going up towards your crotch area, a favorite spot of ticks. Your shirt also should be tucked into your long pants. This will keep the ticks from the hotspot known as your waistband.
Bring Something to Remove Ticks
Since we know that you can’t alwaya avoid ticks while hiking, it’s a good idea to bring something with you to help you remove them. Fine-tipped tweezers are a great choice. Put them into a ziplock sandwich bag. That way, if you remove a tick, that can go in there too if necessary.
These are some of the things that you can do to help you avoid ticks while hiking. Although you may not avoid all of them, and you may still have a hitchhiker or two, this will help you have a better chance.
If you are interested in having ticks and mosquitos taken care of at your home, contact us today for a quote. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you have.