Ticks. Nobody likes these disease ridden blood suckers. They are a disgusting nuisance and as mountain enthusiasts, it’s your job to know how to avoid ticks while hiking.
Whether you’re backpacking, mountaineering, fly fishing, hiking, or just walking the dogs, ticks are a real hazard. These parasitic arachnids are sneaky devils that seem to appear like magic and often carry diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or others. It’s best to avoid them.
Ticks can be located just about anywhere in the world – from sea level to higher altitudes (although they do not really like colder temps). There are hundreds of different species of ticks and according to LiveScience.com they can “range in size from nearly invisible to the size of a pencil eraser.” Ticks are often smaller than you think and to protect yourself you need to be knowledge about how to avoid ticks while hiking or playing outdoors.
Let’s take a look at some ways to avoid ticks while hiking:
- Understand Tick Behavior – Ticks are natural climbers. No matter where they find themselves it’s their natural behavior to climb until they can find something to latch on to – like your exposed skin.
- Wear Proper Clothing – Clothing is the best way to block tick attacks. Wear quick drying clothing and cover up. Long pants, long sleeves, and a hat are essential whenever you’re in tick territory. Avoid shorts and t-shirts. Zip off/convertible pants are a good option because ticks often stop their upward moment at creases. Try tucking your pants into your socks, and tucking your shirt into your pants. We recommend rocking a hood and/or a hat too. One other important tip is to dress in light colors. This makes it easier to spot a tick as it climbs toward your fleshy parts.
- Stick To The Trail – Ticks are typically found in bushy, grassy, and forested areas that are often shady and humid. Ticks then like to climb to the top of long grass or branches and then jump on you when your swish by. If you stick to the middle of the trail and avoid bushwhacking, you’re more likely to avoid ticks while hiking. Seek sunny areas and you’ll improve your chances of having a tick free day.
- Don’t Be A Leader – This tip is a bit selfish, but it seems to work. Let your well dressed hiking partner lead the way. Typically the person out frond will attract more ticks – and this means less ticks on you.
- Use Tick Repellants – There are numerous tick repellants that are known to deter ticks. DEET works well for mosquitos and it is also recommended for ticks too. Permethrin is another chemical tick repellant. You can spray it on your clothes or buy permethrin infused fabrics.
- Perform Regular Tick Checks – Both during and after hikes you need to perform tick checks. This means giving yourself a thorough head to toe – especially in the creases, cracks, and crevasses of your body. Do this after every trail break, when you get back to the trailhead, and when you get home. Also keep an eye on your hiking buddy. If you see a live one, flick it away.
- Mind Your Stuff – Your body is a temple and you need to protect it, but you also need to mind your stuff. When you’re done with your latest hiking adventure, give your pack, extra layers, dogs, etc. a thorough check to ensure you’re not bring ticks into your home that could bite you when you least expect it.
- Shower ASAP – When you get home, take a hot shower right away and wash and dry your clothing on hot.
Unfortunately, almost every mountain enthusiast has to deal with ticks at some point. If you get bit by a tick, it’s essential that you remove the tick ASAP.
According to the CDC.gov, to remove a tick, use a pair of tweezers and pull the tick directly out of the skin as close to the skin as possible. After the tick is removed, clean the area and monitor the bite. Watch out for flu-like symptoms, muscle/joint aches, rashes, fevers etc. If you see any unusual signs, consult a doctor pronto.
Do you know anyone who likes ticks? We certainly don’t. In fact, it’s safe to say that we downright hate the little buggers. But since we love getting outside and playing in the mountains, we have to know how to avoid ticks while hiking.
If you want to be even more tick savvy, visit CDC.gov to read their comprehensive guide to ticks.
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