Tick Talk: How to Avoid Ticks While Hiking

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There’s nothing quite like the call of the open trail. The peace, freedom, and beauty soothe my soul and help me escape, if just for a little while, from the pressure of regular life. Just me and my doggos, enjoying the Great Outdoors. Because I’ve always been outdoorsy and spend a lot of time hiking, particularly with my dogs, I’ve been battling ticks forever! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ticks and how to avoid them while hiking, so you can enjoy your favorite trails bug-free.

Definition of Ticks

Ticks are small arachnids that belong to the order Parasitiformes. They are ectoparasites, meaning they live by feeding on the blood of animals. And not just mammals, but birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians, too. Ticks are known for their tenacity and their potential to transmit diseases, making them a significant concern for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Let’s be honest – they’re a complete pain in the behind! Some folks are lucky and only see the occasional tick, but in other parts of the country, tick populations are exploding, and you’ll find multiple (often tiny) ticks on your clothing, boots, gear, and dogs, unless you take lots of precautions.

Types of Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks are vectors for a variety of pathogens that can cause disease in humans and animals. These include bacteria that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis; parasites that cause babesiosis; and viruses that cause diseases such as Powassan encephalitis and Colorado tick fever. Each of these tick-borne diseases can have serious health implications if not treated promptly, and symptoms can range from mild (fever, chills, aches and pains) to severe (neurological problems, heart complications).

Importance of Preventing Tick Bites

Preventing tick bites is about more than just avoiding an itchy nuisance. It’s a crucial step in protecting your health by preventing tick-borne disease. Tick-borne diseases can be serious or even deadly if left untreated, and the best way to prevent these diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place.

Identifying Common Ticks

Being able to identify common ticks can help you understand the potential risks and take appropriate action if you find one on your skin.

American Dog Tick (Wood Ticks)

The American dog tick is a species of tick that is known to carry the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are brown with gray or silver markings and are most commonly found in grassy areas with little to no tree cover.

Brown Dog Tick

The brown dog tick is a small species of tick that prefers to feed on dogs, hence its name. They are a uniform brown color and are unique in that they can complete their entire life cycle indoors.

Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)

The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is notorious for being the primary vector of Lyme disease. They are small and dark brown to black in color.

Other Kinds of Ticks

There are many other types of ticks, including the Lone Star tick, Gulf Coast tick, and Pacific Coast tick. Each has its own preferred habitat and host species, and can transmit different types of diseases.

Understanding Tick Habitats: Where Will You Find Ticks?

Ticks prefer warm, humid environments. They are often found in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Understanding where ticks live can help you avoid them. For example, if you’re hiking in a wooded area, be aware that ticks may be more prevalent. Similarly, if you’re walking through tall grass, be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself.

Avoiding Contact With Ticks When Hiking

There are several strategies you can use to avoid contact with ticks when hiking. These range from what you wear to how you move through the environment.

1. Wear Protective Clothing

When it comes to avoiding ticks, your first line of defense is your clothing. The right attire can create a physical barrier that prevents these tiny critters from reaching your skin. Here’s what to wear:

1. Long Sleeves and Pants: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants when hiking in areas where ticks may be present. This reduces the amount of exposed skin where ticks can latch on.

2. Closed-Toe Shoes: Ticks often dwell in grass and low vegetation, waiting for a host to pass by. Wearing closed-toe shoes can prevent ticks from attaching to your feet or ankles.

3. Wear Gaiters: Good quality gaiters make it harder for ticks to find their way inside to attach to your skin. Plus, of course, they’re waterproof and provide an extra layer of protection.

3. Tuck Your Pants Into Your Socks: This might not be the height of fashion, but it’s a practical step that can help keep ticks on the outside of your clothing where you can spot and remove them easily. It also prevents them from crawling up inside your pant legs.

4. Wear a Hat: Ticks can drop from trees, so wearing a hat suitable for hiking can provide some protection. It also makes it harder for ticks to reach your scalp, which can be a difficult place to spot and remove ticks.

5. Seal Your Boots with Tape: For added protection, consider sealing the area where your pants meet your socks, gaiters, or boots with tape. This creates a physical barrier that prevents ticks from crawling underneath your clothing. Use duct tape or another strong tape and wrap it around your ankles over your socks and pants. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight – you don’t want to restrict circulation or movement.

What Color Clothes to Wear to Avoid Ticks

When it comes to avoiding ticks, your choice of clothing color can make a difference. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they have a chance to bite. Avoid dark colors that ticks can easily blend into.

2. Apply Insect Repellent

While venturing into the great outdoors, using an insect repellent can be an effective way to deter ticks. However, not all repellents are created equal, and some people prefer to avoid certain ingredients due to health concerns.

While DEET is a common ingredient in many insect repellents, there are concerns about its potential health effects. If you’re looking for alternatives, there are several other options available that can be just as effective. I prefer natural options, and there are a number of options commercially available that don’t contain DEET or other harmful substances.

1. Picaridin: Picaridin is a synthetic compound that is modeled after a natural compound found in the plants used to produce black pepper. It’s odorless, non-greasy, and does not damage plastics or synthetic fabrics. Picaridin has been shown to be as effective as DEET in repelling ticks. The Ranger Ready spray is a very popular choice.
2. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE): This is a natural, plant-based oil. It works well against ticks and is also effective against mosquitoes. However, it should not be used on children under 3 years old.
3. IR3535: This is a synthetic compound that was originally developed by Merck & Co. It’s odorless, non-greasy, and does not damage plastics or synthetic fabrics. Coleman’s spray is a solid choice to repel ticks and all kinds of other insect pests you’ll come across while hiking and camping.

How Do You Repel Ticks Naturally?

There are also a variety of natural tick repellents that use a combination of essential oils such as geranium, peppermint, cedarwood, and others. While these natural options may not last as long as their synthetic counterparts, they can be reapplied throughout the day for continued protection.

I exclusively use natural products on myself, my dogs, and my family, because I don’t like putting potentially harmful synthetic substances on our skin and in our bodies. For those of you who share my philosophy, here are the natural tick repellents I use with great success. 

Just remember, you’ll need to reapply them regularly, and you should never put neat essential oils on your skin or on your dogs. You also need to be careful about which essential oils you choose for your pets. 

Essential Oils: Certain essential oils are known to repel ticks. These include:

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: This oil, derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, has been found to be as effective as DEET in repelling ticks. It’s also safe for use on children and pets.
• Cedar Oil: Cedar oil is a natural tick repellent that works by dehydrating the ticks. It’s safe for use around children and pets, and can be sprayed on clothing and gear.
• Geranium Oil: Geranium oil is particularly effective against ticks, especially the Pelargonium capitatum x radens variety. It can be applied directly to the skin or used to treat clothing and gear.

Note that I mainly use my own concoction of geranium oil and cedar oil, heavily diluted with a neutral carrier oil for me and my pets, and it’s ridiculously effective.

For commercial preparations, I really, REALLLY like the Cedarcide products, as they’re safe on humans, pets, and your gear and clothes, too.

Dr Mercola does a pretty good herbal spot on, a collar, and a general use spray that you can also use as part of your anti-tick regimen for your pets. 

If you’re using essential oils, please do your research, only purchase food-grade or therapeutic-grade oils, and always dilute them sufficiently with a carrier oil. 

1. Garlic: Eating garlic won’t repel ticks, but spraying a garlic solution on your gear can help keep ticks away. Just remember it has a fairly potent smell, so if you’re hiking in a group, it might not be the best choice. You can purchase garlic-based tick repellents or make your own by blending garlic cloves with water and applying it to your yard with a sprayer.
   
   I also feed garlic to my dogs (no, it’s NOT poisonous – it’s even sold in supplement form specifically for dogs. I use this brilliant garlic and fenugreek one from Dorwest). It offers a range of health benefits and is also the cornerstone of my anti-tick and flea regimen.
2. Diatomaceous Earth: This is a powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. It works by dehydrating ticks and other insects. Sprinkle it around your yard, especially in areas where ticks might hide. You can also apply it to the seams of your boots and around the lace holes, or anywhere else a tiny but tenacious tick might try to hide away in. Just be sure to buy food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other types are not safe for human and animal contact.
3. Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can repel ticks. Mix it with water and spray it on your clothing and gear before heading out.

Remember, natural repellents often need to be applied more frequently than synthetic ones to maintain their effectiveness. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and reapply as necessary. Also, keep in mind that while these methods can help repel ticks, they should be used as part of a comprehensive tick prevention strategy that includes wearing protective clothing and checking for ticks regularly.

3. Prepare Your Clothes Before Your Hike

Before you hit the trail, taking some time to prepare your clothing and gear can provide an extra layer of protection against ticks. One effective method is to treat your items with a product containing permethrin.

Permethrin is a synthetic chemical that acts as a neurotoxin to ticks, effectively killing them on contact. It’s typically used in a diluted form and can be applied to clothing, tents, and other gear for a long-lasting protective effect. Here’s how to use it:

1. Purchase a Permethrin Spray: Look for a product with a 0.5% permethrin concentration, which is effective against ticks.
2. Apply to Your Gear: Spray your clothing, boots, and gear with the permethrin spray. Be sure to follow the product instructions for application and drying times.
3. Let it Dry: It’s important to let your gear completely dry before using it. Once dry, the permethrin is tightly bound to the fabric fibers and is safe to wear.

While permethrin is a powerful tool in tick prevention, it’s important to note that it does have some potential downsides. Permethrin is toxic to cats and fish, so it should be used with caution in households with these pets. It’s also not suitable for direct application on skin as it can cause irritation and other side effects. Always use permethrin products as directed and avoid contact with skin and eyes during application.

If you’re looking for alternatives to permethrin, consider the following options:

• Insect Shield Clothing: This is a brand of clothing that is pre-treated with permethrin. It offers the same tick-repelling benefits without the need for you to apply the treatment yourself.

4. Cover Up

Covering up exposed skin is a simple yet effective strategy to prevent tick bites. Ticks can latch onto any part of the body, but they often go for less noticeable areas like the scalp, neck, and behind the ears. Here’s how you can add extra layers of protection:

1. Wear a Hat: A hat serves a dual purpose. It not only protects your scalp—a favorite hiding spot for ticks—but also shields your face from the sun. Choose a hat with a wide brim for the best protection.
2. Use a Bandana or Buff: A bandana or buff can be used to cover your neck, another area ticks are fond of. You can also pull it up to cover your mouth and nose when walking through heavily infested areas to prevent ticks from latching onto your face. You can even get an Insect Shield bandana for extra protection.
3. Choose High-Collared Shirts: If it’s not too hot, consider wearing a high-collared shirt or a shirt with a built-in neck gaiter. This can provide an extra barrier against ticks.
4. Wear Gloves: If you’ll be brushing against vegetation or handling firewood, gloves can protect your hands and wrists from tick bites.
5. Secure Your Pant Legs: As mentioned earlier, tucking your pants into your socks or using tape to seal the gap can prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.

5. Stay on the Trail

Venturing off the beaten path can be an exciting part of any hiking adventure, but when it comes to avoiding ticks, staying on the trail is your best bet. Ticks are most commonly found in moist and humid environments, often near wooded or grassy areas. They tend to live in tall grass, brush, and shrubs, not more than a few feet off the ground. They also inhabit leaf litter and logs, where humidity levels are ideal for their survival.

When you stick to the trail, you’re less likely to brush against the vegetation where ticks are waiting to latch onto a host. Ticks can’t fly or jump, but they engage in a behavior called “questing” where they hold onto leaves or grass with their hind legs and extend their front legs, waiting to climb onto a host. By minimizing contact with these areas, you reduce your risk of tick bites.

Trails are typically clear of vegetation and have a defined path. This makes it easier for you to spot and avoid potential tick-infested areas. It also means ticks are less likely to land on you, as they rely on direct contact to find a host.

In addition to helping you avoid ticks, staying on the trail has other benefits as well. It helps protect the natural environment by reducing erosion and preventing damage to plant life. So, while you’re keeping yourself safe from ticks, you’re also doing your part to preserve the natural beauty of the hiking trails for future visitors.

Even when sticking to the trail, it’s important to remain vigilant. Ticks can still be present, especially if the trail is near wooded areas or tall grass. Continue to use other protective measures, such as wearing tick-repellent clothing and performing regular tick checks.

6. Avoid High-Risk Tick Areas: Choose Your Trails Wisely

When planning your hiking adventure, it’s crucial to consider the potential presence of ticks along your chosen trail. Some areas are notorious for high tick populations, and being aware of these high-risk areas can help you make informed decisions about where to hike.

Ticks thrive in certain environments. They prefer warm, humid climates and are often found in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas. Trails that pass through these types of environments or are located in regions known for tick-borne diseases can pose a higher risk.

Before you set out, take some time to research your hiking location. Many state and national park websites provide information about the presence of ticks and the risk of tick-borne diseases. Local health departments and extension services can also be valuable resources for this information.

Online hiking forums and social media groups can also be helpful. Other hikers who’ve already trekked the same trails can offer insights about the presence of ticks. Remember, though, that ticks can be present even if others haven’t encountered them, so always take precautions.

If you find that ticks are a known issue in your chosen location, consider selecting a different trail. Look for trails that are located at higher altitudes, have less vegetation, or are in drier, less humid areas, as these factors can reduce the presence of ticks.

7. Check Your Gear Carefully

Ticks are crafty hitchhikers. They can latch onto your gear and travel with you, potentially leading to a tick bite later on when you least expect it. This is why it’s essential to check your gear carefully after a hike.

Your backpack, tent, hiking boots, and even your picnic blanket can provide perfect hiding spots for ticks. Here’s how to thoroughly check your gear:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by doing a visual check of all your gear. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so look carefully. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and pockets where ticks might hide.
2. Shake Out Your Gear: Give your gear a good shake. This can dislodge any ticks that are clinging on.
3. Use a Lint Roller: A lint roller can be a useful tool for picking up unattached ticks from your gear. Simply roll it over the surface of your gear to pick up any ticks.
4. Hot Dryer: If possible, toss gear that can withstand high heat into a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes. The heat can kill any ticks that might be hiding in your gear.
5. Isolate Your Gear: Before bringing your gear inside your home, consider isolating it in a sealed plastic bag or container. This can prevent any ticks on your gear from infesting your home.

When to Hike to Avoid Ticks

The timing of your hike can play a significant role in your exposure to ticks. Ticks are ectothermic, which means their activity is directly related to the surrounding environmental temperatures. They are most active in warm weather, typically from spring to fall, with peak activity occurring in the summer months.

During these warmer seasons, ticks are in their feeding phase, which means they’re on the lookout for hosts like humans. If you hike during these periods, you’re more likely to encounter ticks.

To reduce your risk of tick encounters, consider planning your hikes for late fall or winter. During these colder months, ticks are less active and less likely to be a nuisance. However, it’s important to note that ticks are not exclusively a warm-weather problem. They can be active any time the temperature is above freezing. In some regions, certain tick species remain active year-round.

Even in the colder months, if the day warms up enough, ticks can become active. So, regardless of when you hike, always take precautions to protect yourself from ticks. This includes wearing protective clothing, using tick repellents, staying on the trail, and performing regular tick checks.

How Can I Keep Ticks Off My Dog?

I just love hiking with my dogs, but it’s important to remember that dogs are just as susceptible to ticks as humans. I don’t use any chemical anti-parasite products on my dogs, and I never have a problem with fleas, ticks, or worms. I do, however, use a combination of a variety of natural anti-parasite remedies to keep them free of fleas and ticks. My go-tos are a homemade diluted essential oil spray that I use on me and then before and during our hikes, garlic supplements in their food, and running them over with a lint roller, among other simple strategies. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can use to help keep your dog tick-free.

1. Tick-Repellent Dog Collar: There are natural tick-repellent dog collars available that use essential oils known to repel ticks. These collars release the scent of these oils, which can deter ticks. However, the effectiveness can vary, and they should be used in conjunction with other methods.
2. Natural Tick Sprays: Similar to the natural repellents used for humans, there are tick sprays made for dogs that use essential oils like lemongrass, cedar, and peppermint. Always test a small amount first to ensure your dog doesn’t have a reaction to the oils.
3. Regular Grooming and Tick Checks: Regularly grooming your dog and checking for ticks can help catch any ticks before they have a chance to attach or after they have attached but before they have had a chance to transmit disease. Pay special attention to areas like the ears, neck, and underbelly.
4. Boost Your Dog’s Immune System: A healthy dog is less attractive to ticks. Feeding your dog a balanced diet and ensuring they get plenty of exercise can help keep their immune system strong.

How Should I Check for Ticks After a Hike?

Performing a thorough tick check after your hike is one of the most effective ways to prevent tick-borne diseases. Ticks can attach anywhere on the body, but they prefer certain areas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a comprehensive tick check:

1. Start with Your Clothes: Before you even get inside, check your clothes for ticks. Ticks can easily hitch a ride on your clothing and then move onto your skin. If possible, toss your clothes into a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be hiding.
2. Check Your Gear: Don’t forget to check your gear, including your backpack and boots. Ticks can hide in the seams and folds of your gear.
3. Shower Promptly: Showering less two hours after a hike reduces your risk of getting Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens. Showering also helps to wash off unattached ticks. Plus it’s the best time to do a thorough tick check.
4. Conduct a Full-Body Check: Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Be sure to check these parts of your body for ticks:
   • Under the arms
   • In and around the ears
   • Inside the belly button
   • Under the breasts
   • Back of the knees
   • In and around the hair
   • Between the legs
   • Around the waist
   • Check Hidden Areas: Ticks love to hide, so be sure to check hidden areas like the groin, the armpits, and the scalp. If you have long hair, it can be helpful to have someone else check your scalp or use a hairdryer on a low setting to separate the hair and make ticks easier to spot.
     
     And, most of these guides are written by men, but ladies, please don’t forget to check your underboob! Yep, I said it – the “underboob”. The skin beneath your breasts is soft and delicate, so it’s easier for the tick to bite. And it’s dark and warm under there, too. 

How To Remove a Tick Safely

Finding a tick on your body can be unnerving, but it’s important to stay calm and remove it correctly to reduce the risk of infection. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to safely remove a tick:

If you find a tick on your body, it’s essential to remove it properly to minimize potential disease transmission. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Equip Yourself: You’ll need a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. These tools can grip the tick without squashing it, which is important to avoid releasing the tick’s potentially infectious fluids.
2. Aim for the Head: Position your tool as close to the skin as possible, trying to grip the tick at the point of attachment. This is usually the head or mouth parts. Avoid pinching the body of the tick, as this could push harmful bacteria into your skin.
3. Slow and Steady: Lift the tick straight up with a steady hand. Twisting or jerking could cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in your skin. If this happens, try to remove the remaining parts with your tweezers. If you can’t, don’t worry—your skin will heal.
4. Don’t Squash It: Resist the urge to crush the tick, as this could release potentially infectious fluids.
5. Clean the Site: After the tick is removed, clean the area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or an iodine scrub.
6. Freeze the Tick: Don’t crush a tick with your fingers. Instead, keep it, just in case. I put mine in a ziplock bag that I seal again with tape, just in case. Then I write the date, where it attached, and what trail I was hiking. That way, if I do develop a problem, the tick can be tested for Lyme disease and other nasties.
7. Monitor Your Health: Keep an eye on the bite site for a few weeks and watch for any signs of illness, such as rash, fever, or body aches. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about the tick bite.

When to Go to the Doctor After a Tick Bite

While not every tick bite leads to disease, it’s important to monitor your health closely after a tick encounter. Tick-borne diseases can be serious if not treated promptly, so knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Here’s what you should watch for:

1. Rash: Some tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, can cause a distinctive rash. In the case of Lyme disease, the rash often resembles a bull’s-eye, with a red ring surrounding a clear area and a red center. However, the rash can vary in size, shape, and color, and it may not appear immediately after the bite. Other tick-borne diseases can also cause rashes, which may look different.
2. Fever or Chills: A fever or chills could indicate that your body is fighting off an infection. If you develop a fever after a tick bite, it’s important to seek medical attention.
3. Aches and Pains: Joint pain, muscle aches, and headaches are common symptoms of many tick-borne diseases. If you experience these symptoms after a tick bite, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
4. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or fatigued can be another sign of a tick-borne disease.
5. Other Symptoms: Depending on the specific disease, you might also experience symptoms like nausea, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, or other neurological problems.

If you notice any of these symptoms within a few weeks of a tick bite, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. When you go, be sure to mention the tick bite, when it occurred, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.

Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, but you know you’ve been bitten by a tick, it’s a good idea to mention it at your next medical appointment. Some tick-borne diseases can have subtle or delayed symptoms, so keeping your healthcare provider informed is always a good idea.

The CDC also has an excellent guide on what to do after a tick bite.