How to Avoid Ticks

Quick answer

• Know where ticks hang out. Think tall grass and brush.
• Cover up. Long sleeves and pants are your best friends.
• Use repellent. DEET or picaridin work well. Permethrin on gear is solid too.
• Do a tick check. Every time you come inside.
• Shower soon after. It can wash off unattached ticks.
• Keep your yard clean. Mow that grass.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you head out, a little prep goes a long way. Ticks are no joke, and a little foresight can save you a lot of grief.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge? Is this public land, private, or a park with specific rules? Check the agency website (like USFS, BLM, NPS, or your state parks department) for any alerts or advisories. You don’t want to be trespassing or breaking rules.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig even get there? Is it a paved road, or are you looking at gravel, mud, or snow? Knowing if you need 4WD, high clearance, or just a sturdy pair of boots helps you plan your approach and avoid getting stuck.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: Ticks are one thing, but a wildfire or a sudden storm is another. Check the local weather forecast and any fire restrictions. High winds can also make conditions unpleasant and increase risks.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Bring enough water for your trip, or know your purification methods. And remember, pack it in, pack it out. Leave No Trace principles are crucial for keeping these wild places wild. That includes human waste.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What kind of critters are in the area? Are you close to any towns or medical facilities? Cell service can be spotty, so let someone know your plans and when to expect you back.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Here’s how to keep those little bloodsuckers off you when you’re out there.

1. Plan your route: Know where you’re going and what the terrain is like.

• Good: You’ve picked a trail that avoids the thickest brush and stickiest woods.
• Mistake: Just wandering off-trail into dense undergrowth. Avoid this by sticking to established paths where possible.

2. Dress smart: Long sleeves, long pants, tucked into socks. Light colors help you spot ticks.

• Good: Your pants are tucked into your boots or socks, creating a barrier.
• Mistake: Wearing shorts and short sleeves. Ticks love exposed skin.

3. Apply repellent: Use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin. Look for DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Good: You’ve applied repellent evenly to all exposed skin, following product instructions.
• Mistake: Skimping on repellent or applying it only in a few spots. Be thorough.

For effective protection, consider using a reliable DEET insect repellent like this one. It’s a proven defense against ticks.

4. Treat your gear: For extra protection, treat your clothing, boots, and camping gear with permethrin. Let it dry completely before wearing.

• Good: Your backpack straps and pant cuffs have been treated, areas ticks love to climb.
• Mistake: Forgetting your gear. Ticks can hitch a ride on your pack or tent.

5. Stay on trails: Whenever possible, walk in the center of trails. Avoid walking through tall grass or brush.

• Good: You’re striding down the middle of a clear path.
• Mistake: Bushwhacking through tick-infested areas. It’s an invitation.

6. Take breaks wisely: If you stop for lunch or a rest, choose an open, sunny spot away from dense vegetation.

• Good: You’re sitting on a rock in a meadow.
• Mistake: Plopping down in a patch of ferns. That’s prime tick real estate.

7. Perform a tick check: As soon as you get back to your vehicle or camp, do a thorough check of your body, clothing, and gear. Pay attention to warm, moist areas like underarms, groin, behind knees, and scalp.

• Good: You’re systematically checking every inch of your skin and your clothes.
• Mistake: Just a quick glance. Ticks are masters of disguise.

8. Shower ASAP: If possible, shower within two hours of coming indoors. It can wash off unattached ticks and helps you spot any you missed.

• Good: You’re scrubbing down, checking your hair and ears.
• Mistake: Skipping the shower. It’s a simple but effective step.

9. Launder clothing: Throw clothes you wore outdoors into the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any lingering ticks. If clothes are dirty, wash them first, then dry on high heat.

• Good: Your hiking pants are tumbling in the hot dryer.
• Mistake: Just tossing dirty clothes in the hamper. Ticks can survive the wash cycle.

10. Check pets: If you have pets, check them thoroughly after they’ve been outside. They can bring ticks into your home.

• Good: You’re running your fingers through your dog’s fur, checking their ears and paws.
• Mistake: Assuming your pet is tick-free. They’re walking tick magnets.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking clothing before going inside	Ticks hitch a ride into your home, potentially biting you or your pets later.	Always do a thorough clothing check before entering your house.
Wearing dark-colored clothing	Makes it harder to spot ticks crawling on you.	Opt for light-colored clothing when possible.
Not tucking pants into socks/boots	Leaves an easy entry point for ticks to crawl up your legs.	Tuck your pants securely into your socks or boots.
Relying solely on one repellent method	No single method is 100% foolproof.	Combine multiple strategies: clothing, repellent, and checks.
Walking through tall grass and brush	These are prime tick habitats. You’re practically walking into their living room.	Stick to the center of trails and avoid dense vegetation.
Forgetting to check gear	Ticks can hide on backpacks, tents, and other equipment, then transfer to you later.	Inspect all your outdoor gear thoroughly after each use.
Not using permethrin on gear	Permethrin provides an extra layer of protection by killing ticks on contact.	Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin for extended defense.
Skipping the post-hike shower	A shower helps wash off unattached ticks and makes it easier to spot any that have already attached.	Shower as soon as possible after returning from tick-prone areas.
Not drying clothes on high heat	Ticks can survive a cold wash cycle. High heat is what kills them.	Always dry outdoor clothing on high heat for at least 10 minutes.
Assuming ticks only bite in spring/summer	Certain tick species are active in cooler months, especially during mild winters.	Be vigilant year-round, particularly during warmer fall and winter days.
Not knowing tick-borne illness symptoms	Delaying treatment can lead to more serious health issues.	Educate yourself on common tick-borne illness symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect a bite.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you’re hiking in wooded or grassy areas, then wear long sleeves and pants because ticks like to hide in these environments.
• If you see tall grass or brush, then try to walk around it or stick to the very edge because that’s prime tick territory.
• If you’re using a repellent, then make sure it contains DEET or picaridin because these are proven effective against ticks.
• If you’re treating your clothing with permethrin, then let it dry completely before wearing it because it’s more effective and safer once dry.
• If you’re taking a break, then choose an open, sunny spot because ticks prefer shady, humid areas.
• If you come back from the outdoors, then do a thorough tick check on yourself and your gear because early detection is key.
• If you find a tick attached, then remove it promptly and correctly because prompt removal reduces the risk of disease transmission.
• If you’re camping, then pitch your tent away from dense vegetation and leaf litter because these are tick hangouts.
• If you have pets that go outdoors, then check them for ticks regularly because they can carry ticks into your home.
• If you’re unsure about tick risks in an area, then err on the side of caution and take extra precautions because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• If you experience flu-like symptoms after a potential tick bite, then see a doctor because these could be signs of a tick-borne illness.

When choosing a repellent, opt for one containing DEET, such as this highly-rated option, for maximum effectiveness against ticks.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best way to remove a tick?

A: Use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk.

Q: How do I know if I got all of the tick out?

A: After removal, check the bite area. If you see tiny black dots, it might be mouth parts. You can try to remove them gently with tweezers, but don’t dig. If you can’t get them, let your skin heal and monitor the area.

Q: What should I do with the tick after I remove it?

A: Don’t crush it. You can place it in a sealed bag or container, submerge it in rubbing alcohol, or flush it down the toilet. Some people save them for identification if symptoms develop.

Q: Can I get a tick-borne illness from any tick bite?

A: Not all ticks carry diseases, and not every bite transmits an illness. The risk depends on the type of tick, where it’s from, and how long it was attached.

Q: Are children more at risk for tick bites?

A: Yes, children often play in areas where ticks are found, like tall grass, and may not be as diligent with tick checks. Their curious nature can lead them into tick habitats.

Q: What if I’m allergic to DEET?

A: If DEET causes a reaction, picaridin is a great alternative. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is another effective plant-based option. Always test a small area first.

If you’re looking for a strong, reliable option, a DEET insect repellent like this one is an excellent choice for tick prevention.

Q: How do I prevent ticks in my backyard?

A: Keep your lawn mowed, remove leaf litter, and consider creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas.

Q: Can I get ticks from my dog?

A: Yes, your dog can absolutely bring ticks into your home after being outside. Regular tick checks on your pets are crucial.

Q: What are the most common tick-borne diseases in the US?

A: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Anaplasmosis are among the most common. Symptoms can vary but often include fever, headache, and fatigue.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific tick-borne disease treatment protocols. (Consult a healthcare professional.)
• Detailed identification of every tick species. (Refer to entomology resources.)
• Tick prevention for pets. (Consult your veterinarian.)
• DIY tick repellent recipes. (Stick to EPA-approved products for reliability.)
• Specific campsite regulations or reservation systems. (Check official park or land management websites.)