Survival Skills: Fight Back Against Ticks

Ticks might be food for some wild birds and other species, but other than that – they are nothing but trouble. It’s important in any situation to stop the ticks that are trying to feed on you. What’s at risk if you don’t fight back against ticks? Your health is on the line. Lyme’s disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and several other illnesses are transmitted to humans through tick bites. Whether you’re in the woods for fun, or you’re in a dire survival situation, use these tips to keep the ticks at bay any time of the year.

• Wear long pants and long sleeves, and select light colored clothing choices for your outdoor wardrobe. While some folks believe that the light color repels the ticks, I find that light colors at least help you spot the dark colored ticks as they climb up your clothes.

• Tuck your pants cuffs into your socks. Ridiculous looking – yes. But it can also keep ticks from finding their way inside your pants.

• Soak your pant cuffs heavily with bug repellent. It wouldn’t hurt to get it on all your clothing. Whether you choose conventional bug repellent or an all-natural variety, use it liberally. Using the repellent on your clothing instead of on your skin is a safer approach for folks who don’t want those harsh chemicals in their blood stream. Compare labels at the store. The higher the DEET concentration, the more effective the product.

• Check for ticks often. Areas of tight clothing are the top spots for ticks to start their feast. The top of your socks, behind your knees, your belt line are all tick magnets, but check all over. Use a mirror or have someone else check for ticks in all the places you cannot directly view.

And when you do find a tick (not if, but when), carefully pull it straight out. Don’t try to twist it or pull in any other direction. Use tweezers to grasp the tick’s head, and pull it out. You could also invest in a specialized tick removing tool, which available at your local camping store.

Written by Tim MacWelch First published on outdoorlife.com