Common sense and being prepared are key phrases to use when referring to how to avoid ticks when hiking through the woods, camping grounds, marshes or even in your own backyard.
Avoiding the Arachnid
Ticks will aim for the folds on your body such as the creases of your skin . The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends that you "Always check the back of the knees, armpits, groin, scalp, the back of the neck and behind the ears" The stomach is also an area where the skin is softer and ticks can attach there as well.
Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Many people have heard of precautions to take when out and about to avoid these critters crawling on to unsuspecting hikers and/or their pets. This article addresses some reminders for those out for an enjoyable nature walk or some serious exercise.
Consider what clothing to wear
Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Light colored clothing and a hat should be worn. Another potential precaution, although it is not the latest in fashion, is to pull light colored socks up over your pants. Beating the heat should not be a consideration while in wooded or marshy areas. Keep in mind you are doing your best to avoid ticks. Therefore, wear long sleeves.
Ticks can also attach to your pet.
Veterinarians suggest pet owners use flea and tick treatments. Another recommendation is to keep to the middle of a trail when walking with or without your pet.
According to resources,"There are two species of ticks common in Massachusetts—the Deer Tick, also known as the Black Legged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabillis). An adult Deer Tick is substantially smaller than the more common Dog Tick."
Humans, bitten by either of these creatures can be infected and are at risk for contracting Lyme Disease or the recently discovered Powassan virus.
Chemicals vs. Essential OiIs & Natural Deterrents
DEET and Permethrin usually come up as the two top ways , chemically, to prevent ticks from attaching to your skin or clothing. Flea and tick repellent is advised for use on pets .
Essential Oils
Strong smelling herbal essences such as the following are said to work "to a degree" should you be opposed to using chemicals.
However, for those who prefer natural preventatives there are lists of essential oils on the internet which include ingredients for a "natural" home made recipe .
Thyme, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and citronella oils are just a few of the many chronicled "natural" tick repellents on several of these websites. As always, readers are reminded when searching either the internet for tick preventative protection chemically or with DIY (Do It Yourself) suggestions, please use caution and consult with your own physicians as to the proper use of either chemical or natural products.
Watch The Weather/Seasonal
Spring, Summer and Autumn are seasons in which ticks are found to be most active. Their most active months being the periods between May and November.
Spring, Summer &Rainfall
Ticks thrive in moisture or humidity. Tick populations increase with rainfall. However, as the tick population goes up the risk of humans contracting Lyme disease from their bite is also on the rise.
Autumn
The Fall season represents a search by ticks to find a warm blooded host whose body heat and blood will allow them to survive the winter.
Winter
Temps blow freezing send ticks burrowing into the ground to keep warm. One weather pattern known to kill ticks is when the winter temperatures fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit a number of days in a row.
Heading home?
Hikers should check each other's clothing upon returning to their cars to see if a tick can be spotted. Ticks are easier to spot and brush off another person especially if light colored clothing is worn.
Another recommendation is to have a brush handy, such as as one from a dustpan to flick the tick before getting in to the car.
Cleaning Up -Showers & Laundry
It's best to shower following a hike, within two hours. Place hiking clothes into the washing machine and dryer.
Pets
Talk to your veterinarian about products that will keep ticks away from your animals.
Concerns
If you have concerns that you or your pet may have been bitten by a tick , be aware of the symptoms and contact your doctor or your pets veterinarian.
Symptoms for you to watch for yourself or other family members:
Pain
Fever
Headache
Joint pain
Swollen lymph node
Weakness
Blisters
Rash
Weakness
Nausea
It is also advised that hikers exploring wooded or grassy areas see a Doctor within 72 hours after discovering a tick on your body.
Check Your Pet For Symptoms
Skin Irritation/ Excessive scratching
Lethargy
Fever
Joint pain
Swollen lymph node
Weakness
Blisters
Rash
Nausea
As one Master Naturalist and Master Gardener suggests, "Don't let the existence of ticks stop you from taking nature walks."Continue to enjoy those hikes. She repeatedly offered this advice to our readers, "just be prepared and use common sense."
###
Notes of interest
*Lyme disease first reported in Old Lyme, Connecticut in 1977
*Ticks are not easy to spot as adults are said to be the size of a sesame seed and nymphs the size of a poppy seed.
