Genius Tricks That'll Help You Avoid Ticks On Your Next Hike
By Shandley McMurray
VACATIONS
Location
Ticks are most commonly in wooded areas and cling to long grasses, shrubs, leaf piles, and animals. They are most active in April and September, so be extra cautious then.
Repellent
When choosing a repellent, the CDC advises choosing a product with strong ingredients like DEET, IR3535, picaridin, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
The spray should be registered with the EPA to ensure it is safe. Follow the directions closely, and do not use lemon eucalyptus oil or PMD-containing products on kids under 3.
Color
Wear white or light-colored clothes while hiking so you can spot ticks before they get onto your skin. This will also attract fewer ticks, per the American Hiking Society.
Clothes
On a hike, wear long pants tucked into your socks, long-sleeved shirts tucked into your pants, and a sturdy pair of boots to eliminate ticks’ access to your skin.
Protect Head
Ticks in trees and shrubs can get in your hair or on your scalp. Wearing a hat, bandana, or other head covering and tying your hair up can help protect you from them.