April 26, 2024
If you’re the paranoid type, the risks becoming more commonly associated with ticks might just be enough to keep you indoors. From Lyme Disease to Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and others less recognizable, there are a number of tick bite-linked diseases that should be taken very seriously. At Affordable Exploration, we’re of the mindset that any tick bite warrants at least a call to your doctor. We have personally experienced the need for medical care after tick encounters within the past few years. Unfortunately these days the issue comes with the territory for outdoors-people. Here is a great resource from CDC to help you recognize the types of ticks and that may be found in your area, and guidance on what to do if you find one. I also recommend you check out adventurer Eric Hanson’s testimonial about his harrowing experience with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever here.
Thankfully there are more options for tick bite protection than ever before, many of which do not require spraying Deet on your skin (which we typically try to avoid, but still prefer over Lyme disease). We love the idea of homeopathic solutions…but all things considered in the case of ticks they’re too risky for us. Our first line of prevention is to avoid walking through tall grass and brushing against foliage when possible, but that’s not always an option. While being prepared by using Permethrin-treated clothing and gear takes some advance planning, it’s well worth the protection it offers.
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While on a camping and fishing trip at beautiful Lake Hope State Park in Ohio last summer, Nic and I found a tick to use as a test subject. We placed it on one of our Permethrin-treated items, and watched with skepticism as it proceeded to walk along unfazed. We were pleased to see, however, that after 5 to 10 minutes the tick was exhibiting neurological signs that indicated the Permethrin was working. The tick started behaving erratically and was no longer able to attach to the fabric. Within 20 minutes it was dead.
Although I prefer the idea of keeping the ticks off in the first place, it is comforting to know that a tick landing on a Permethrin-treated item we’re wearing won’t have as great an opportunity to attach. When using a deterrent bug spray, if the tick makes it through it will quite possibly find a place to attach. We have first hand experience with both clothing we’ve treated at home with Permethrin and these other products, and have seen in action the protection they provide against tick bites. For the past several years, Sawyer Premium Insect Repellant has been our go-to brand for treating our own clothing and gear like hiking boots. If you properly treat your clothing (follow instructions carefully), you will have excellent protection for 6 weeks or 6 washings – whichever comes first. Buy it here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JZFpZi This product allows us to walk through brush or tall grass with confidence that we won’t regret it later.
If you don’t want the hassle of treating your clothing yourself but want the benefits of Permethrin, we recommend you consider one of these other effective products available on the market.
Cover your head or neck with the bandana shown here https://amzn.to/3UF0LQh from Insect Shield.
We love Simm’s BugStopper Hoodie https://amzn.to/4bDrvrz for both sun and bug protection. It’s also available in four other nature-inspired colors.
Wear this scarf https://amzn.to/4b9f1rE from Hadley Wren however you’d like to keep the bugs away. No one would ever guess that it’s not just an accessory.
Picaridan wipes like these from Natrapel are a great option if you need to protect your skin directly. It’s easy to use indoors or in your tent since it’s not a spray, and great to keep kids protected. Purchase here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V6MptL
Risk is a personal subject, and we each must weigh the risk of any chemical barrier we use against ticks versus leaving ourselves vulnerable to the growing possibility of illness. You may consider testing products for skin sensitivities or other reactions before heading out for an extended period of reliance on these items, as everyone is different. But no matter what method you use, make sure you check yourself for ticks regularly after being outside. Early treatment is key to preventing long term health effects, and keeping you exploring.
-Emily