Woman on a wooded trail applying bug spray to pant leg.

Ticks and tick bites are among the drawbacks of summer. With their tiny size, how easy it is not to realize you have been bitten, and the diseases they can transmit (Lyme Disease is just one)… ticks can be a serious issue for outdoor activities. Fortunately, you can take steps for tick prevention.

What Is the Best Way to Repel Ticks?

  • Use insect repellents registered with the EPA such as DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), picaridin, IR3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone.
  • Wear long sleeves and clothing that covers your skin. If you know you are going into tick-infested areas, add steps like tucking pants into socks or even taping clothing openings shut.
  • If you take your dog with you, talk to your vet about using tick prevention collars or treatments, so they do not become infested (and then infest you).

Tick bite prevention does not end once you come inside. Make sure to do a full-body check for ticks after you finish outdoor activities.

Additionally, while ticks were once primarily an issue for hikers and those who spend time in the woods, ticks have increasingly been moving to backyards – especially in Suffolk County. For tick prevention around your home:

  1. Cut your lawn regularly to keep the grass short.
  2. Have a tick barrier between your lawn and tall grass or woods.
  3. Remove and prevent areas mice can use as a habitat.
  4. Add a deer fence if your home is in areas of Nassau or Suffolk with deer.
  5. Consider tick prevention spraying for your property.

What to Wear to Avoid Ticks?

The advice has long been to wear light-colored clothing. The original reasoning was that it was easier to spot and remove ticks when wearing white or light-colored clothing. However, a study published in the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Library of Medicine found the opposite.

In the study, participants first wore white or light-colored clothing while walking in an area containing ticks. The person was then carefully examined for ticks, which were removed and counted. Then the same person did the same thing while wearing black or dark-colored clothing. The study also included variables for different times of day.

The study found that “both groups differed significantly,” with an average of 20.8 more ticks per person for those wearing light-colored clothing. So, if you see recommendations to wear light-colored clothing to avoid ticks, know that it is old data.

Additionally, buy clothing treated with 0.5% permethrin. You can also buy such sprays and treat your clothing, backpack, and more with it yourself (following the instructions and proper guidelines).

Can A Tick Bite Through Clothing?

The good news is that a tick cannot bite through clothing. The bad news is they can get on you and, if undetected, crawl around your clothing until they find an opening that allows the tick to bite skin.

Are Ticks More Active After Rain?

Yes, it is true that ticks are more active after it rains – and for an interesting reason.

When it is hot with low humidity, ticks will actually dry out. If the dry, low humidity weather continues long enough, ticks can even enter a diapause period – meaning they cease developing. After a rainstorm the ticks will be revived and active, according to Larisa Vredevoe, professor of biological sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Arrow Can Help Prevent Ticks

Protect your family from tick bites, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses by calling Arrow Exterminating to discuss tick control prevention and treatments. Call or contact us today and let the professionals at Arrow Exterminating handle it.

Tick Bite Prevention Tips Serving Long Island and surrounding areas

Richmond | Kings | Nassau County | Suffolk County

Recommended Posts