How to Prevent Tick Bites when Hiking

Hiking is a sport that is enjoyed by nature enthusiasts. Being outside and enjoying nature has its benefits however a tick bite can take the fun out of the sport. Here are some tips on how to prevent a tick bite while hiking.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Packing tape
• Deet spray
• Long sleeve shirt, pants, socks and hiking boots
• Light color clothing
• Mirror

1. Cover your arms with a long sleeve shirt. Wear loose khaki pants, socks and hiking boots that cover your ankles. Your clothing should be a light color. By wearing light colors, you will be able to view the tick crawling on you.

2. Wear light color clothing. By wearing light colors, you will be able to view the tick crawling on you.

3. Tuck your pant leg into your socks.

4. Wrap the sticky side of packing tape around your socks. The tape will stop the ticks from crawling up your leg.

5. Spray your clothing with Deet insect repellent. Do this before you put your clothes on.

6. Hike on a gravel trail rather than a dirt trail. Refrain from going off trail. Dense brush, packed leaves, and heavy vegetation are areas that breed ticks.

7. Perform a full body search for ticks. Use a mirror to view your backside. Check your head, ears, underarms, behind knees, waist and legs.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove ticks within twenty-four hours to prevent the spread of Lyme disease.
• Avoid spraying deet insect repellent on your skin.
• Use caution when spraying deet on children.

[llparker]

on 10/2/2009 helpful info on ticks...

[e-Rambler]

on 9/1/2009 Definitely need to watch out for these bugs while hiking. Thanks for sharing :)

[alienangel555]

on 7/19/2009 Yuck, ticks. You did a great job explaining how to avoid the little buggers. Thanks

[xrayness]

on 7/18/2009 Wonderful article...thanks for sharing your knowledge.