Outdoor recreation comes with a variety of risks, one of which is getting bitten by a tick. Ticks carry a wide range of diseases that are harmful to humans including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Ticks are most active during the warmer months from May until September, and they are found throughout the United States.
Since there are no vaccines for many of the diseases that ticks can transmit, it makes the most sense to try to avoid getting bitten in the first place. Here are some tips to keep ticks from ruining your summertime recreation:
- Wear Protective Clothing – Even though it’s hot outside, wear clothing that covers your skin. Hike or backpack with long yet lightweight shirts and pants that cover your arms and legs as much as possible. Consider tucking your pant legs into your socks to keep ticks from getting into the gaps.
- Use Repellent – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using an insect repellent on the skin with at least 20% DEET in order to prevent tick bites. These repellents last for several hours. There is also the option of using products that contain permethrin to treat clothing, boots, and other camping gear. Permethrin is a chemical commonly used as an insect repellent, and clothing can be pre-treated. Moreover, the protection lasts through several washings.
- Stick to Clear Trails – Ticks can be easily picked up in heavily wooded or grassy areas. They thrive in moist and humid environments. Be on the lookout for ticks and avoid areas that are dense with foliage by sticking to established trails. While on the trail, hike in the center to avoid making contact with ticks.
- Shower and Check for Ticks – Immediately after an outdoor activity remove your clothing and check your whole body for ticks. Be sure to cover areas including in and around the ears, under the arms, and the backs of the knees. Showering helps to remove ticks that are unattached. It takes several hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease, so the sooner the better.
- Don’t Forget Your Pet – Don’t forget to check your pet for ticks as well. Ticks can easily hitchhike into your home via pets. Check your pets as soon as they come indoors. There are also a wide variety of products that contain pesticides for pets. These include collars, sprays, or topical treatments. Check with your veterinarian to see which is most appropriate for your animal.
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