Stay Safe From Ticks: Your Essential Outdoor Guide
- Rebecca Elitzur
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Summer sun and blooming trails should inspire adventure, not worry. Yet, with Lyme disease cases rising and tick nymphs becoming more common every year, it is vital to be prepared before heading outdoors. Whether you are hiking deep woods, gardening, or sending kids to the park, use this actionable guide to stay safe from ticks.
Why Tick Safety Matters Now More Than Ever
Cases of Lyme disease are rising: In many areas, reported cases have more than doubled over the last decade. Some states now average over 17,500 new cases annually. Warmer weather and climate shifts are expanding tick habitats, which means more people are at risk, even outside the traditional tick “hot spots.”
Tiny, dangerous nymphs: Nymphal ticks, which are smaller than a sesame seed, are responsible for most Lyme disease infections in humans. They are hard to spot and are most active in late spring and summer, right when people spend the most time outdoors.
Before You Go Outdoors
1. Dress Smart
Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks, especially the almost-invisible nymphs.
Cover up by wearing long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes. This blocks ticks physically and increases the chance you will spot and brush them off before they bite.
Seal the gaps by tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks. This simple habit blocks most ticks from accessing your skin.
2. Use Powerful Defenses
Treat clothes and gear with permethrin (never apply to skin). Permethrin remains protective through several washes and massively reduces bites.
Choose a skin repellent for exposed skin. Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone. Always follow label instructions, especially with children.
If you use both sunscreen and repellent, apply sunscreen first and repellent second.
3. Avoid Tick Hotspots When Possible
Stay in the center of trails and avoid brushing against high grass, leaf litter, or branches. These are zones where ticks hunt for hosts.
Do not sit on logs or stumps, since leaf litter and dead wood are favorite tick hiding spots.
Tidy your yard by trimming grass, clearing leaf piles, and creating a buffer zone with wood chips or gravel to keep ticks away from patios and play areas.
While You’re Outside
Monitor yourself and loved ones frequently by performing quick tick checks whenever you take a break, especially for children and pets.
Be extra vigilant below the belt. Ticks frequently latch on around ankles, behind knees, waistbands, and groin areas.
Do not forget your pets. Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention. Pets can bring ticks indoors.
After Your Adventure: What Most People Forget
1. Remove Clothing and Check Immediately
Change and check by removing outdoor clothes right away. Ticks can stay on clothing for hours before biting.
Use high-heat dry by putting clothes in the dryer on high for at least 10 minutes, even before washing. Only high heat kills ticks.
2. Shower Within Two Hours
Showering within two hours can wash off ticks that have not yet latched on. Showering after outdoor activities is also a critical window for early detection and has been shown to reduce Lyme risk.
3. Perform a Full-Body Tick Check
Common areas ticks hide include:
Underarms
Behind knees
Between legs
Waistband
Under breasts
In and around the ears
Behind the neck
Hairline, scalp, and belly button
Use a mirror or ask a family member for help when checking hard-to-see spots. Remember, nymphs are extremely tiny.
4. Examine Gear and Pets
Check all outdoor equipment, hats, daypacks, and pets after returning home. Ticks can be brought inside this way and find new hosts later.
Removing a Tick: Dos and Don’ts
Do: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin. Pull upward in a slow, steady motion. Clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic.
Do not: Squeeze, twist, burn, apply petroleum jelly, or “paint” the tick with chemicals. These methods can cause the tick to release more bacteria or break off its mouthparts.
Save the tick: Put it in a bag or vial if your healthcare provider wants to identify or test it, especially if you develop symptoms.
Watch for symptoms: If you develop a rash (often a bull’s-eye shape), fever, headache, or fatigue within a week after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Lesser-Known Tips for Tick Safety
Tick season is expanding. Ticks can be active year-round, especially during mild winters.
Check bedding for days after exposure. Detached ticks may drop off and hide in sheets and pillows after outdoor outings.
Treat pets and yard. Both are common sources of household tick exposures. Use tick-prevention products for pets and consider perimeter yard treatments.
Become a citizen scientist. By submitting ticks you find to university labs or state surveillance programs, you can help map risk and contribute to public safety.
Tick Nymphs: A Growing Concern
Why are nymphs so important? Unlike adults, many nymphs carry Lyme disease yet are nearly invisible. Up to 25 to 35 percent of nymphs in some areas are infected, and their bites are rarely felt. Most Lyme infections happen in spring and early summer, which is the nymph peak season.
Final Thought: Make Tick Checks Second Nature
Ticks and Lyme disease are growing risks for anyone who loves the outdoors. With these steps, you can hike, camp, and play smarter while staying safe. Simple routines and extra attention can mean the difference between worry and truly enjoying summer fun.
Stay alert, stay vigilant, and help spread tick safety awareness. Every check counts!
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