Make Your Hikes Tick Safe

One of the greatest things about hiking is interacting and becoming a part of nature.  Seeing animals, flowers, bugs, and plants all within the same stretch of trail is something that makes hiking special. But what about the nature that can actually cause you harm? The biggest issue for outdoor enthusiasts of late is ticks.

Ticks are known for transmitting Lyme disease, which presents a myriad of symptoms, and makes daily life painful and exhausting.

There are over 40 different types of ticks, but luckily for humans only a few can transmit Lyme.

But do you know how to plan, prepare and protect against tick bites?  Here are a few tips on doing the best you can to prevent tick bites when you're on the trail and once you get home.



1. Limit exposed skin - Long sleeves and pants are your friend when it comes to preventing tick bites. A layer of clothing between your skin and a tick will make it very difficult if not impossible for a tick to bite you. You can also go one step further and tuck pant cuffs into socks to make it even harder for the ticks to get at your body.

Outdoor companies are making pants and long sleeve tops that are extremely lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking so you're not very likely to overheat should you pass on shorts and short sleeves.

2. Repellants - Using sprays that contain 20 - 30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing is helpful in keeping ticks away.  You can also go an additional step and wear clothing treated with permethrin.  Permethrin will is a chemical that will actually kill ticks that come in contact with it.  You can purchase clothing already treated permethrin treated, or you can treat your clothing yourself.  For more information on permethrin and treating your own gear Section Hiker has a great post outlining the process.

3. Location - Ticks can be found in wooded areas with lots of brush, high grass and leafy areas.  Obviously these are all areas you'll find when you're out on the trail. But what part of the trail is farthest from the grass and downed leaves?  The middle.  Wherever possible stay in the middle of wide trails as far away from grass, leaves and brush as possible. Ticks can jump, but if you're far away from where they are the leap may be too much.

4. Lighten Up - Wearing light coloured clothing is going to help you identify ticks should they actually make it to your body.  Ticks are generally dark in colour and are slightly smaller than a kernel of corn. Having the dark bug against light clothing will make it easier to spot and remove.

5. Wash Up - Once you get back to home base after your hike it should be time to hit the showers. This will give you a chance to clean up, but also will allow you to more easily find ticks crawling on you. It is also important to do a full body check, using a mirror if necessary, to search for attached ticks.

6. Wash Up Part 2 - Not only should you clean yourself after a hike, but you should wash your clothes as well. Wash clothing in hot water and tumble dry on high for at least 60 minutes. Ticks can't survive in the heat so the hot water wash and dry is effective in killing any ticks that have stowed away in clothing.

Remember to be aware of ticks, but don't let the thought of them ruin your time out in nature and on the trail.  Above are some tips to prevent tick bites and help ease your mind.  Come back soon where we'll look at what to do if you find a tick on you or you suspect you've been bit.