Ticks and prevention outdoors

 Hey friends! As summer approaches and we all gear up for some awesome outdoor adventures, it's important to be aware of the risks that come along with hiking and backpacking.  One such risk that we often overlook are pesky ticks! 

Ticks are not only annoying, but they can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. However, fear not! By taking a few simple precautions, we can greatly reduce the chances of encountering these little critters and enjoying our time in the wilderness to the fullest. 

First and foremost, always wear long sleeves and pants, preferably in light colors to spot ticks easily.  Also, tuck your pants into your socks or boots to create a barrier for ticks to crawl up. Don't forget to use insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET on exposed skin and treat your clothing with permethrin spray. Treating your clothes is the best method by far!

Remember to check yourself, your gear, and your furry companions for ticks regularly during your adventure. And when you return home, take a thorough shower and wash your clothes in hot water to kill any clinging ticks. 

Below you can find the affiliate links to purchase Sawyer products. These products work, and work well! Since using these products the last 7 years I can say I have had not one issue with a ticks.....not one!