How to Avoid Ticks in the Summer

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but it is also the season when ticks are most active. These tiny pests can pose serious health risks, transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. Protecting yourself, your family, and your pets from ticks is essential for a safe and enjoyable summer. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to avoid ticks during the summer months. 

Understanding Ticks and Their Habits

Ticks are small arachnids that thrive in warm, humid environments. They are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubs. Ticks do not fly or jump; instead, they wait on vegetation and latch onto hosts as they pass by. Understanding their habits can help you avoid them more effectively. 

1. Wear Protective Clothing

One of the simplest ways to prevent tick bites is by wearing appropriate clothing: 

• Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants:  Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize exposed skin. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier. 

• Light-Colored Clothing:  Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored fabrics, making it simpler to remove them before they bite. 
• Use of Permethrin-Treated Clothing:  Consider clothing treated with permethrin, an insect repellent that kills ticks on contact. 

2. Apply Tick Repellents 

Using tick repellents on your skin and clothing can significantly reduce your risk of tick bites: 

• DEET-Based Repellents:  Products containing DEET are highly effective. Apply to exposed skin, avoiding the face. 
• Picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:  These are alternative repellents that can also provide protection against ticks. 
• Permethrin on Gear:  Spray your camping gear, tents, and backpacks with permethrin to keep ticks at bay. 

3. Avoid Tick-Infested Areas

Being mindful of your surroundings can help you steer clear of ticks: 

• Stick to Trails:  When hiking, stay in the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation. 
• Avoid Tall Grass and Brush:  Ticks are commonly found in these areas, so minimize contact. 
• Manage Your Yard:  Keep your lawn mowed, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier between your lawn and wooded areas using gravel or wood chips.

4. Perform Tick Checks

Regularly checking for ticks can prevent them from attaching and transmitting diseases: 

• Check Yourself and Others:  After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body, including underarms, behind ears, inside the belly button, and behind knees. 
• Inspect Your Pets:  Pets can bring ticks into your home. Check their fur, especially around the ears, neck, and underbelly. 
• Shower After Outdoor Activities:  Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help wash off unattached ticks and provides an opportunity to check for ticks. 

5. Create a Tick-Safe Zone in Your Yard

Taking steps to make your yard less attractive to ticks can reduce their presence: 

• Clear Tall Grass and Brush:  Remove tall grass, weeds, and brush around your home. 
• Create Barriers:  Use wood chips or gravel to create a barrier between lawns and wooded areas. 
• Tick Control Treatments:  Consider professional tick control treatments to reduce tick populations in your yard. 

Contact Hopper Termite & Pest Today

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the summer without the worry of tick bites. However, if you find yourself facing a tick infestation or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact Hopper Termite & Pest. Our Springdale office can be reached at (479) 750-4070, and our Mountain Home office is available at (870) 425-4122. We offer comprehensive pest control services, including termite control and treatment for ants, bed bugs, flies, mosquitos, cockroaches, rodents, spiders, and wildlife. Stay safe this summer and let Hopper Termite & Pest help you keep your home and yard pest-free!