Tips for Tick Prevention When Hiking
BY EMA DANTAS
In Ontario, there are different types of ticks on many of our favorite hiking trails, and some of these ticks can carry Lyme Disease. This disease can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Since we don’t want to stop hiking all together and we know ticks can hide in other places like our backyards, it’s important to understand ways to help prevent tick exposure.
Clothing
Clothing is one of the easiest ways to prevent ticks burying into your skin. You want to start with wearing appropriate clothing to go hiking and avoid ticks. Long pants tucked into socks and a pair of closed toed shoes will help stop them from getting up the pant leg. A long sleeve shirt tucked into your pants will help prevent them going up the shirt and protect your arms.
Depending on the weather, you may want to opt for lighter layers. It’s okay to wear short sleeves or shorts, but you’ll want to check often to ensure a tick hasn’t found a home on your body. One tip is to wear lighter colours so you can detect the tick before it gets to your skin.
Depending on the weather, you may want to opt for lighter layers. It’s okay to wear short sleeves or shorts, but you’ll want to check often to ensure a tick hasn’t found a home on your body. One tip is to wear lighter colours so you can detect the tick before it gets to your skin.
Tick Repellent
Adding a tick repellent to your routine of tick prevention is a great step. You want to look for a repellent that has DEET to help repel more than just ticks. There are some products that contain Picaridin, which will also work. Keep in mind that not all products containing Picaridin are available or approved in Canada. If unsure, stick to what you already use for bug repellent or head to your favourite hiking supply store to try something new.
Stay on the Trail
One of the best ways to prevent ticks, on top of wearing appropriate clothing and using repellent, is to stay on the trail. Ticks love to hang out in tall grass, which you may find on the side of the trails. When you veer off the trail into thick brush or tall grass, you increase your risk of being exposed to the ticks. You can also check out Public Health Ontario (or similar sites for your area) to find out different trail risks of ticks and Lyme disease.
Check, Check & Check Again
The final prevention step for ticks is to check yourself repeatedly. You can quickly check over yourself when taking breaks during your hike. Look for small and big sized ticks. If you are wearing the appropriate clothing, you can check just on the surface.
When you return from hiking ensure that you check all the warm spots of your body. Don’t forget to check your back as well. Place your clothes in the dryer and run it on high to help kill off any ticks if they came back on your clothes.
Plan Your Hikes
At the end of the day, it’s still safe to go hiking, even when the risk of ticks is high. Just remember to dress appropriately, bring repellent, stay on the trail, and check yourself several times throughout the hike. And don’t forget your water!