As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, making it crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones. These tiny pests carry a slew of dangerous diseases, including Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan Virus, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. But don’t let ticks steal your joy of being outdoors. At Trail Blazer Survival School, we follow a strict protocol to avoid tick bites, and I’m sharing it with you so you can stay safe and enjoy nature without worry.
Trail Blazer’s Tick Defense Protocol
- Dress Smart: Start with long pants and tuck them into your socks. Tuck your shirt into your pants to keep ticks on the outside of your clothing, away from your skin—especially around sensitive areas like the groin and armpits. If you have long hair, tie it back into a ponytail. Always do quick scans for any crawling ticks while you’re out and about.
- Use Permethrin: Years ago, while hiking the Appalachian Trail, I met a fellow hiker named “Crazy Horse” who introduced me to Permethrin, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Unlike typical insect sprays, Permethrin Spray by Sawyer is applied to your clothing, not your skin. It lasts through six washings before needing reapplication, making it an excellent choice for long-term protection. If you prefer to avoid chemicals, you can mix 30 drops of basil or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle as a natural alternative.
- Check Thoroughly: Once you’re back home, strip down and do a full tick check. If you have a partner, ask them to check the spots you can’t see. Pay extra attention to areas ticks love, such as behind the knees, around the waist, under the arms, and along the hairline. Use a hand mirror for hard-to-see places. Wash all clothing in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 60 minutes—this will kill any ticks that may be lurking in the fabric.
- Dealing with Embedded Ticks: If you find a tick embedded in your skin, forget the folk remedies. Use sharp, pointed tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Clean the area with soap, water, and rubbing alcohol. Save the tick in a resealable bag for testing, especially if you notice unusual symptoms like aches, fever, or headaches. Testing the tick can provide peace of mind, knowing whether it carried any diseases.
- Post-Adventure Routine: After every outing, make it a habit to conduct a thorough tick check. Ticks love moist creases, so pay special attention to underarms, the waistband, behind the knees, and in and around the hairline. Even if it seems tedious, these checks are vital to staying tick-free.
I hope these tips help you stay tick-free this season. In my next post, I’ll cover how to safely remove a tick if you find one. Don’t let ticks deter your love for the outdoors—join our Survival Picks Newsletter today to get more expert advice delivered straight to your inbox. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep enjoying the great outdoors!