Camping is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also put you at risk of exposure to ticks.
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Babesiosis.
I truly hate them and this is why I’m here today.
In this article, with tick season upon us, I thought it would be a great idea to give you some tips and tricks on keeping these blood suckers away from your campsite.
It’s essential to take measures to keep ticks away from your campsite to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!
For more information on tick prevention, please check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.
Tick Prevention 101
First and foremost, it’s essential to be aware of the areas that are most likely to have ticks. Ticks typically thrive in areas with high grass, dense vegetation, and wooded areas.
Good luck if you live in a state like Oklahoma!
But the good news is, we can put some preventive measures in place.
When choosing a campsite, look for areas that are open and free of tall grass and dense vegetation. This will make it more difficult for ticks to find you.
Use the Tick Repellent!
Another tip for keeping the ticks away from your campsite is to use tick repellent.
Pretty obvious remedy, but let me explain why.
Tick repellent can be applied to your skin or clothing to create a barrier between you and the ticks. It’s important to choose a repellent that contains DEET or picaridin, as these ingredients are most effective at repelling ticks. When applying repellent, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing is also important when camping in tick-prone areas.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. Light-colored clothing is also recommended, as it makes it easier to spot ticks that may have attached themselves to your clothing.
Create a Tick-Free Zone
One of the most effective ways to keep ticks away from your campsite is to create a tick-free zone around your campsite. This can be done by removing any tall grass, leaves, and other debris from the immediate area around your campsite. Ticks thrive in damp, dark areas, so keeping the area around your campsite clean and dry will make it less attractive to ticks.
Protect your Fur Buddies
If you’re camping with your dog, it’s essential to take measures to protect them from ticks as well.
Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products such as collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments. Be sure to check your dog for ticks regularly, especially if they’ve been playing in areas with high grass or dense vegetation.
Go Natural
Another way to keep ticks away from your campsite is to use natural tick repellents.
Essential oils such as lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint have been shown to repel ticks. These oils can be mixed with water and sprayed around your campsite to create a natural tick barrier. Cedarwood chips or cedar oil can also be used to repel ticks, as they are naturally repellant to insects.
In addition to these preventative measures, it’s paramount to perform tick checks regularly. Check yourself, your loved ones, and your pets for ticks at least once a day, especially after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Use a mirror or ask someone to help you check area that are hard to see, such as your back or scalp.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And that will wrap things up for today. Ticks can be a real danger when camping, but with the right preventative measures, you can keep them away from your campsite and enjoy a safe and enjoyable camping experience. Remember to be aware of tick-prone areas, use tick repellent, wear appropriate clothing, create a tick-free zone around your campsite, use natural tick repellents, protect your pets, and perform regular tick checks. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep ticks away from your campsite and enjoy the great outdoors without worry. I hope you found this article to be helpful when it comes to tick prevention. Please share your remedies for tick prevention in the comment section below.
-CT