8 Tips For Preventing Tick Bites

Safeguarding Your Spring Adventures - 8 Tips For Tick Prevention

As spring rolls around and the days get longer, we eagerly head outdoors to enjoy the beauty and offerings of the season. However, this time also marks the beginning of many outdoor adventures, and with that time outside comes other risks.

Many of us take to the outdoors with more of a focus on nature's bigger predators. Still, every outdoor enthusiast must know the potential risks associated with tick bites and the transmission of tick-borne diseases. Fortunately, with a few preventive measures, including using Sawyer's Permethrin Spray and other preventative methods, you can minimize the risk and fully embrace your spring adventures.

Here are eight tips to help keep you tick-free this spring!

1. Understanding the Risks:

Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other diseases that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Understanding the risks is the first step toward effective prevention.

2. Use Essential Oils:

Ticks don’t like the smell of peppermint, lavender, orange, cinnamon, and lemon. If scent control in the field isn’t necessary, make up an essential oil spray and treat your clothing, car, picnic blankets, packs, house, and even dog beds!

3. Apply Sawyer's Permethrin Spray:

Sawyer's Permethrin Spray is a highly effective repellent that can be applied to clothing, footwear, and gear. Permethrin works by incapacitating ticks and other insects, preventing them from biting or attaching to treated surfaces. Before your outing, carefully follow the instructions on the product label to treat your clothing, ensuring thorough coverage. Allow the treated items to dry completely before wearing them.

4. Dress Appropriately:

One of the simplest ways to prevent tick bites is by wearing appropriate clothing. Opt for light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks and consider using gaiters to provide additional protection. This creates a physical barrier, making it harder for ticks to reach your skin. Bonus prevention points if you treat your gear with Sawyer’s Permethrin Spray.

5. Use a hat and put up your long hair:

If you find yourself out in the timber, pushing through bushes and in close contact with shrubs and brush, grab a hat and opt for a braid or bun! This will help keep you from picking up ticks and other bugs on your trek!

6. Stay on Designated Trails:

When exploring natural areas, stick to designated trails and avoid tall grasses, brushy areas, and leaf litter where ticks are commonly found. Ticks often reside in these environments and can easily attach to passersby.

7. Perform Regular Tick Checks:

After spending time outdoors, conduct a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and your pets. Examine all areas of the body, including hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, and between the toes. Ticks are small and can be easily missed, so be diligent in your examination.

8. Remove Ticks Properly:

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly and correctly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, ensuring you remove the entire tick, including its head and mouthparts. Clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic after removal.

I also suggest putting the tick in a small ziplock or on a piece of tape, and in the event you develop a rash after the tick bite, you could have the tick tested for the disease. Keep an eye on the bite area and see an MD immediately if you develop a rash, other symptoms or if the bite site has a bullseye appearance. Ticks can threaten your health and well-being, but by taking preventive measures, you can enjoy your spring outings with peace of mind.

Preparing, planning, and prevention are excellent ways to prevent tick interaction!

In addition, other prevention methods, such as appropriate dressing, using insect repellent, and practicing regular tick checks, significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and the potential transmission of tick-borne diseases.

A University of Rhode Island study in 2011 found that people wearing Permethrin-treated shoes and socks were 73.6 times less likely to have a tick bite than those wearing untreated footwear.

Awareness and preparedness are key to a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience! Now get ready and go explore - there’s so much to see!