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Figuring out how to avoid ticks can be especially tricky for people who are exercising outdoors.
Westend61 via Getty Images
And that holds especially true if yourehikingor running on a scorching day.
First, a quick rundown of how ticks can get themselves in the position to bite you.
Ticks dont fly; instead, theyre ambush predators, Dr. Pappas says.
(you’re free to watch a video of this behavior on hisInstagram.)
They inject an anesthetizing compound when feeding, so you may not necessarily feel it.
So thats what ticks have up their sleeve.
Then, get out and enjoy the trails.
Choose your trails wisely.
Ticks dont exist only in the middle of the wilderness.
Your backyard isnt super risky though, especially if your lawn is trimmed and theres full sunlight.
Thats even more so the case if theyre rich in wildlife like deer, which can carry ticks farther.
Instead, shell stick to rockier trails with less vegetation and save the others for winter.
Njai has turned a group around after a trail was unexpectedly covered with grasses up to the hikers heads.
And when she comes to a fork in the path, she takes the side thats less forested.
Another tip to keep in mind when choosing trail routes?
Use a repellent and apply it anywhere ticks can grab.
Proper repellent plays a huge role in understanding how to avoid ticks.
Dr. Pappas says, and many individuals use DEET as repellent when theyre on the trails.
The second they get around it, they will fall right off [you].
(Heres avideohe posted to demonstrate.)
Choose a formula thats 25% to 35% DEET, he recommends (see an option below!
), and follow the manufacturers instructions to get about four hours of protection.
And if youre using sunscreen (which you should be!
), slather that on first, then put on DEET or other repellent, Dr. Pappas says.
If youre running or doing a day hike, you probably only need to put repellent on your legs.
But consider what activities youre doing and think about which other body parts might come into contact with brush.
Cutter DEET Wipes
Amazon
3.
Tick-proof your gear before you head out.
Another great way to protect yourself is to treat your clothing, socks, and shoes with permethrin.
Its a synthetic chemical, but similar to extracts from the chrysanthemumflower.
The biggest risk for most people is minor skin irritation, Dr. Pappas says.
In that case, it typically lasts about six washes, Dr. Pappas says.
(See an option below!)
That keeps ticks out of my hairline as much as possible, she says.
Contrary to popular belief, ticks dont jump out of trees, Dr. Pappas says.
Dr. Pappas treats both his hiking boots and the Brooks sneakers he wears while trail running in permethrin.
Gantz and Njai, meanwhile, favor tall socks with shorts for their outdoor adventures.
Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray
REI
Outdoor Research Bugout Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters
4.
Handle your gear with caution.
The CDC has some helpful imageshere.)
This way, itll prevent your excess clothing from serving as a vehicle for ticks to hitch a ride.
This will rinse away ticks that havent bitten you yet, Dr. Pappas says.
To kill them, zap them with heat from the dryer.
Check yourself for ticksthen, check again, and again.
Think: groin, armpit, belly button, or the nape of your neck.
Njai also does a quick tick check before she gets in the car after hiking.
Gantz and her partner, who live together, have a routine of checking each other.
For best results, repeat these examinations regularly.
He suggests keeping up your tick check for a couple days post-nature outing.
Once ticks start feeding on your blood, theyll grow larger, making them easier to spot.
If you take your dogs with you, protect them too.
Gantz considered this before she got her dogs, and ultimately decided to go with red labs.
Their lighter coats means ticks are easier to spot.
Njais dogBrownieregularly accompanies her too (Brownies longest hike thus far is 15 miles).
The ticks will simply fall off, and the chemical is safe for your pooch, Dr. Pappas says.
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
Chewy
7.
Once youve fine-tuned your strategy, get out there and enjoy.
What you shouldnt do is sacrifice your time in nature, Dr. Pappas says.
Dr. Salkeld agrees, and puts that idea into practice.
I do a lot of ecology fieldwork.
One of the bonuses of this kind of work is I head to trails and look for ticks.
Dr. Salkeld adds that hes been bitten, but hasnt had a tick-borne illness.