#camping, insects, ticks - April 24, 2023

Warm Season = Tick Season

When you're out in the wilderness, you're also exposed to a variety of hazards, one of which is ticks. These small arachnids can carry dangerous diseases, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself while camping.

What are ticks?

Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids that are found throughout the world. They are most commonly found in wooded areas and long grass, where they attach themselves to animals and humans. Ticks can carry a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis.

How to protect yourself from ticks while camping

Wear protective clothing: Wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes can help keep ticks from attaching to your skin. Light-colored clothing can also help you spot any ticks that may have hitched a ride.
Use insect repellent: Applying insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin can help repel ticks. Ticks also hate the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium so they'll avoid latching on to anything that smells of those items. Any of these or a combination can be used in DIY sprays or added to almond oil and rubbed on exposed skin.
Stay on marked trails: Ticks are most commonly found in tall grass and wooded areas. Staying on marked trails can help reduce your exposure to ticks.
Check yourself for ticks: After spending time outdoors, be sure to check yourself for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as your armpits, groin, and scalp.
Remove ticks immediately: If you do find a tick attached to your skin, use tweezers to remove it immediately. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull straight up. Be sure to clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Know the signs of tick-borne illnesses: If you develop a fever, headache, muscle aches, or a rash after being bitten by a tick, seek medical attention immediately.