Quick answer Wash immediately after contact. Use soap and cool water. Don’t scratch. It can spread oils and cause infection. Wash all clothes, gear, and pets that might have touched it. Use barrier creams before going into poison ivy areas. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for itching. See a doctor for severe rashes or…
Quick answer Know the plant: identify poison ivy by its “leaves of three.” Cover up: wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots. Wash up: clean skin, clothes, and gear immediately after exposure. Avoid touching: don’t brush against plants or disturb them. Manage your yard: remove poison ivy carefully if it’s on your property. Be aware…
Quick answer Do a full body tick check immediately after coming indoors. Focus on warm, moist areas: groin, armpits, behind knees, scalp. Use a mirror for hard-to-see spots. Check gear and pets too. Remove ticks promptly and correctly. Wash up afterwards. What to check first (do this before you drive out) Before you even think…
Quick answer Clean the bite ASAP. Apply a cold compress. Use an anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone. Consider a baking soda paste. Watch for signs of infection. Know when to see a doctor. What to check first (do this before you drive out) Before you even think about hitting the trail or setting up camp, a…
Quick answer Poison oak spreads primarily through its seeds and vegetative growth. Urushiol oil is the culprit. It’s in all parts of the plant, year-round. Avoid direct contact with the plant. Wear protective clothing. Wash yourself, your gear, and your pets thoroughly after potential exposure. Learn to identify poison oak in all its forms. Know…
Quick answer Pack repellent with DEET or Picaridin. Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk. Set up camp away from standing water. Use a tent with intact screens. Check yourself for ticks after hiking. Know what to do if you get bit – don’t scratch! Consider natural repellents if chemicals are a…
Quick answer Know your tick zones. Some areas are just tickier. Wear light-colored clothing. Ticks stand out. Tuck pants into socks. Create a barrier. Use EPA-approved repellent. Apply it right. Check yourself thoroughly. Don’t skip this. Know how to remove a tick. Get it out clean. What to check first (do this before you drive…
Quick answer Stick to trails and avoid overgrown areas. Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants. Use EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin. Do a thorough tick check after every outdoor adventure. Shower or bathe within two hours of coming indoors. Know what to do…
Quick answer Pack repellent with DEET or picaridin. Apply it often. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long clothing. Set up camp away from standing water. Use a bug net for your head and sleeping area. Burn citronella candles or coils (safely). Consider a battery-powered fan for your tent. Keep your tent zipped tight. For effective protection, consider…
Quick answer Store food and scented items properly. Use bear-resistant containers or hang a bear bag. Cook and eat away from your tent. Clean up all food scraps immediately. Make noise while hiking. Bears generally want to avoid you. Know bear behavior. Understand when to back away or make yourself appear larger. Carry bear spray…
