There’s nothing like the call of the open trail. The peace, freedom, and beauty help me escape from daily pressures. Just me and my dogs, enjoying nature. But hiking often means battling ticks. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about ticks and how to avoid them while hiking, so you can enjoy the trails without worries.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are small arachnids that belong to the order Parasitiformes. They live by feeding on the blood of animals, including mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Ticks are tenacious and can transmit diseases, making them a concern for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Let’s be honest—they’re a pain! Some people only see the occasional tick, but in some areas, tick populations are booming. You’ll find ticks on your clothing, boots, gear, and dogs unless you take lots of precautions.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks can carry pathogens that cause diseases in humans and animals. These include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan encephalitis, and Colorado tick fever. Each of these tick-borne diseases can have serious health effects if not treated quickly. Symptoms range from mild (fever, chills, aches) to severe (neurological problems, heart issues).
Why Preventing Tick Bites Matters
Preventing tick bites is essential to protect your health by preventing tick-borne diseases. These diseases can be serious or even deadly if left untreated. The best way to avoid these illnesses is to prevent tick bites in the first place.
Recognizing Common Ticks
Knowing how to identify common ticks can help you assess risks and take action if you find one on your skin.
American Dog Tick (Wood Ticks)
The American dog tick carries bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are brown with gray or silver markings and are usually found in grassy areas with little to no tree cover.
Brown Dog Tick
The brown dog tick prefers dogs. They are a uniform brown color and can complete their life cycle indoors.
Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
The blacklegged tick, or deer tick, is the main carrier of Lyme disease. They are small and dark brown to black.
Other Ticks
Other ticks include the Lone Star tick, Gulf Coast tick, and Pacific Coast tick. Each has its own habitat and hosts and can transmit different diseases.
Where Do Ticks Live?
Ticks prefer warm, humid places. They’re often found in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Knowing where ticks live can help you avoid them. If you’re hiking in a wooded area or through tall grass, be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself.
Avoiding Ticks While Hiking
There are several ways to avoid ticks when hiking, from what you wear to how you move through your environment.
1. Wear Protective Clothing
The right clothing can prevent ticks from reaching your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. This reduces exposed skin where ticks can latch on. Closed-toe shoes can keep ticks off your feet and ankles. Tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks on the outside of your clothing. Wearing a hat can protect your scalp from ticks that might drop from trees. You can also seal your boots with tape for extra protection.
What Color Clothes to Wear
Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Avoid dark colors where ticks can blend in easily.
2. Apply Insect Repellent
Using insect repellent can keep ticks away. DEET is common, but some prefer alternatives like Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), and IR3535, which can be effective and often have fewer health concerns.
Natural Tick Repellents
Natural repellents include essential oils like geranium, peppermint, and cedarwood. These can be reapplied throughout the day for continued protection. I use a mix of geranium and cedar oil for me and my pets. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before use.
Cedarcide products are great for humans, pets, and gear. Dr. Mercola also offers good herbal options for pets. Always research and use food-grade or therapeutic-grade oils.
3. Prepare Your Clothes Before Your Hike
Treating your clothes with permethrin can provide extra protection. Permethrin kills ticks on contact. Use a permethrin spray on clothing, boots, and gear, and let it dry completely before use.
Permethrin is toxic to cats and fish, so use it carefully if you have these pets. Avoid direct skin contact. Insect Shield clothing is another option pre-treated with permethrin.
4. Cover Up
Covering exposed skin can prevent tick bites. Wear a hat to protect your scalp and a bandana or buff for your neck. High-collared shirts and gloves can add more protection. Tuck your pants into your socks or use tape to seal gaps.
5. Stay on the Trail
Staying on the trail helps you avoid tick-infested vegetation. Ticks can’t fly or jump; they wait on leaves or grass for a host. Trails are usually clear, making it easier to spot ticks. It also helps protect the environment by reducing erosion and plant damage.
6. Avoid High-Risk Tick Areas: Choose Your Trails Wisely
Research your hiking location. Ticks thrive in warm, humid climates, especially in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas. Look for information on tick presence from park websites, local health departments, and online hiking forums. If ticks are a known issue, consider trails at higher altitudes, with less vegetation, or in drier areas.
7. Check Your Gear Carefully
Ticks can hitch a ride on your gear. After a hike, check your backpack, tent, boots, and other items carefully. Shake out your gear, use a lint roller, and if possible, put it in a hot dryer for 10 minutes. Isolate your gear before bringing it inside to prevent ticks from infesting your home.
When to Hike to Avoid Ticks
Ticks are most active from spring to fall, with peak activity in summer. To reduce your risk, plan hikes for late fall or winter. However, ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing. Always take precautions, like wearing protective clothing and using tick repellents, regardless of the season.
Keeping Ticks Off Your Dog
Hiking with dogs is wonderful, but they are also vulnerable to ticks. I use natural remedies to keep my dogs tick-free, such as diluted essential oil sprays, garlic supplements, and regular tick checks. Here are some methods:
- Tick-Repellent Dog Collar: These collars use essential oils to repel ticks. Use them along with other methods for best results.
- Natural Tick Sprays: Use sprays with essential oils like lemongrass, cedar, and peppermint. Test a small amount first to ensure no reaction.
- Regular Grooming and Tick Checks: Groom your dog regularly and check for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, and underbelly.
- Boost Your Dog’s Immune System: A healthy dog is less attractive to ticks. Feed a balanced diet and ensure regular exercise.
Checking for Ticks After a Hike
After your hike, perform a thorough tick check to prevent tick-borne diseases. Here’s how:
- Start with Your Clothes: Check your clothes for ticks before going inside. Toss them in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.
- Check Your Gear: Inspect your gear, including your backpack and boots.
- Shower Promptly: Shower within two hours to wash off unattached ticks and do a thorough tick check.
- Conduct a Full-Body Check: Use a mirror to check all parts of your body, including underarms, ears, belly button, under the breasts, back of the knees, in the hair, between the legs, and around the waist.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you find a tick on your body, remove it properly to minimize disease risk. Here’s how:
- Equip Yourself: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grip the tick without squashing it.
- Aim for the Head: Grip the tick close to the skin, at the head or mouth parts.
- Slow and Steady: Lift the tick straight up without twisting or jerking.
- Don’t Squash It: Avoid crushing the tick to prevent releasing infectious fluids.
- Clean the Site: Clean the area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or iodine scrub.
- Freeze the Tick: Keep the tick in a sealed bag with the date, location, and trail. This can help if you develop symptoms later.
- Monitor Your Health: Watch for signs of illness like rash, fever, or body aches and contact your doctor if you notice any symptoms.
When to See a Doctor After a Tick Bite
Not every tick bite leads to disease, but monitor your health closely. Here’s what to watch for:
- Rash: A rash, especially a bull’s-eye rash, can be a sign of Lyme disease.
- Fever or Chills: These could indicate an infection.
- Aches and Pains: Joint pain, muscle aches, and headaches are common symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired can be a sign.
- Other Symptoms: Symptoms like nausea, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, or other neurological issues can also occur.
If you notice any of these symptoms within a few weeks of a tick bite, see a doctor. Mention the tick bite, when it happened, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. Even if you don’t have symptoms, mention the bite at your next medical appointment.
