Tick Bite Prevention: 7 Ways to Protect Yourself in the Backyard or Wilderness
I once lived in the woods (in a tick infested area) for 40 days and..
It's incredible and I am thankful to God that in those 40 days - I did not get ANY tick bites. I learned at lot before, during and after this experience on how to prevent nasty bites from this - often harmful - and sometimes deadly creature.
Here are 7 things YOU Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Getting a Tick Bite...
1 - Double Treat ALL of your outer clothing (and your boots / shoes) with Sawyer Permethrin - When used properly on clothing - Ticks often just die when they come in contact with clothing treated with this stuff (I watched it happen a few days ago - it was awesome). Sawyer Permethrin is lethal to ticks (and lasts through many washings of your clothes) yet it is safe for humans if applied according to the instructions - Here’s a link: http://tinyurl.com/Permethrin-
2 - Wear a hat treated with Permethrin - Ticks will often drop out of tree onto your head. If your head is covered with a Permethrin treated hat - this reduces your risk.
3 - Wear a long s
leeve shirt (even a thin one) treated with Permethrin. The idea here is to keep as much of your skin covered as possible.
leeve shirt (even a thin one) treated with Permethrin. The idea here is to keep as much of your skin covered as possible.
4 - Tuck in your shirt - this keeps ticks from getting at your skin by crawling up under your shirt.
5 - Tuck your pants into your boots or into your socks (if you have low-cut shoes or boots). This can keep ticks from crawling up your boots, onto your legs. You can also use military style boot blouses (my favorite solution). Here is a link: http://tinyurl.com/Boot-Elastic
6 - Wear a Permethrin treated neckerchief or Buff Headwear around your neck. I wear the Buff “Duck Blind” camp. This will help to keep ticks from getting inside your shirt from the top. http://tinyurl.com/Buff-Headware
7 - Use common sense. Stay clear of... or move quickly through areas that are known to be tick infested.
The bottom line - Minimize skin exposure. Close up all areas ticks can get to your skin. Treat clothes properly with Permethrin.
This may all seem like a hassle. And it is. But getting ticks is more of a hassle, makes a hike or camping trip a bummer. But not taking these precautions can end in a lifetime of debilitating Lyme Disease. Manage your risk, take my advice and enjoy your wilderness adventures without fear!
~David
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