![]() Show more The Expert: I started hiking and backpacking in the tick-riddled Northeast as a middle schooler and had to learn at a young age the importance of tucking my pants into my socks and doing a full-body tick check once I got home. Hikers have an array of tick repellents to keep the bugs away, and there are lots of simple ways to make sure if a tick does grab ahold of you, you’re not at risk of contracting Lyme. Thankfully, the tech we have at our disposal to deter the creatures has also gotten better in that time. It’s never been more important to keep them at bay. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, climate change has expanded the range of ticks, and per a 2018 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tick-borne diseases had more than doubled between 20. But it’s not the parasitic bug itself that can hurt you-it’s the diseases they carry, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The tiny creatures thrive in forests and tall grass and have an easy time climbing onto your legs as you walk through their habitats. If you’ve spent much time outdoors during the warmer months, you’ve almost undoubtedly found a tick on you at one time or another. ![]() Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body.For a lot of summertime hikers and adventurers, the biggest risk they face comes from a seriously small bug. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.Ĭheck your body for ticks after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and daypacks. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.Įxamine gear and pets. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing.
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