Get Rid Of Ticks In Your Camper: A Quick Guide

Ticks are a common problem for campers, with around 300,000 to 476,000 people diagnosed with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the US each year. To prevent ticks from invading your camper, it's important to take precautions such as performing regular tick checks, wearing the right clothing, and using repellents. In this article, we will discuss how to keep ticks out of your camper and protect yourself from these pesky parasites.

Wear light-coloured, long clothing

When spending time outdoors, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. One effective strategy is to wear light-coloured, long clothing, which offers a simple yet powerful defence mechanism against ticks.

Wearing light-coloured clothing makes it easier to spot ticks that may have crawled onto your clothes or skin. Ticks are tiny and can be difficult to detect, especially in dark or camouflaged fabrics. By opting for light-coloured garments, you increase the chances of noticing a tick before it has a chance to bite you. This early detection can make all the difference in preventing tick-borne diseases.

In addition to wearing light colours, it is recommended to choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Ticks thrive in tall grass and vegetation, and they can latch onto your skin as you brush past them. Long sleeves and pants create a physical barrier, making it harder for ticks to reach your skin. Tuck your shirt into your pants, and then tuck your pants into your socks, ensuring there are no gaps for ticks to crawl through. While this may not be the most fashionable choice, it is an effective way to protect yourself from ticks.

To further enhance your protection, consider treating your clothing with tick-repellent solutions. Products containing Permethrin are recommended by many campers and hikers. You can purchase Permethrin-infused clothing designed to repel ticks, or you can treat your existing garments with a spray. Just be cautious when using these products, as Permethrin can be toxic to cats and should not be applied directly to the skin. Always follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer.

Remember, wearing light-coloured, long clothing is a simple yet effective strategy in your tick prevention toolkit. By making yourself a less desirable target for ticks and creating physical barriers, you can enjoy the outdoors with greater peace of mind.

Use repellents with 20% DEET or Permethrin-treated clothing

When it comes to repellents, there are a few options to consider. The Center for Disease Control recommends using a repellent with at least 20% DEET, which can be safely applied to the skin and most types of clothing, such as cotton and nylon. It's important to note that DEET should not be used on synthetic fabrics as it can melt them. Additionally, avoid getting DEET on your gear as it can destroy it.

Another effective option is to treat your clothing with an insecticide containing 0.5% permethrin. This treatment is long-lasting and does not need to be reapplied for about six washes. You can also purchase pre-treated socks and clothing with permethrin if you prefer not to treat your clothes yourself.

It is worth mentioning that some people consider permethrin to be the preferred option over DEET. Permethrin-treated clothing, shoes, and socks can provide an effective barrier against ticks. However, it is important to note that permethrin is toxic to cats and fish, so take the necessary precautions to avoid exposing them to this substance.

In addition to using repellents, there are other measures you can take to protect yourself from ticks. Wearing light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks, and tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants can help prevent ticks from crawling onto your skin. Remember to perform regular tick checks on yourself and your companions, both during and after spending time outdoors.

Avoid tall grass, leaf litter and shaded areas

Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, leaf litter, and shaded areas. They crawl up blades of grass or twigs and extend their hooked front legs, waiting for a host to brush by so they can latch on. Therefore, it is important to avoid these areas when camping.

When camping, stick to the middle of paved paths and avoid high grass or weeds bordering them. Ticks are often found in grass along the edge of fields where they meet the woods, so it is best to steer clear of these areas. Similarly, tall grass or weeds bordering paved paths through the woods should be avoided.

Leaf litter, or plant detritus, is also a common place for ticks. It provides shelter, a hiding place, and nesting material for ticks. Leaf litter is often found in shaded areas, so it is important to avoid these areas as well.

By avoiding tall grass, leaf litter, and shaded areas, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering ticks while camping.

Check yourself, your clothing and pets for ticks regularly

Checking yourself, your clothing, and pets for ticks is a crucial step in preventing tick bites and the diseases they carry. Here are some detailed instructions to help you incorporate this important habit into your camping routine:

Before Going Outdoors

Before heading out into tick habitats, there are a few proactive measures you can take to reduce the chances of ticks latching onto you or your pets. For yourself, apply a skin-safe repellent, such as those containing DEET or permethrin, to exposed skin. You can also wear permethrin-treated clothing, shoes, and socks. Choose light-coloured clothes as ticks are easier to spot on them, and consider tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants. For your pets, use tick collars or consult your veterinarian about other tick prevention products such as oral medications or topical treatments.

After Coming Indoors

When you return from outdoor activities, it's time to perform a thorough tick check. Use a mirror or have someone help you inspect areas that are difficult to see, such as your scalp, back, and nether regions. Remember to also check your clothing, equipment, and pets. Pay close attention to areas where ticks may be hiding, such as the folds of your clothing, crevices in your equipment, and your pet's fur, especially around the ears. Brush off or shake out anything that has touched the ground, including your clothing, shoes, socks, and camping equipment like blankets and chairs. It is recommended to change out of your outdoor clothes and put them directly into a secure laundry container until they can be washed. Taking a shower within two hours of coming indoors is also a good practice to remove any ticks that might still be on your body.

During Outdoor Activities

Even while enjoying the outdoors, you can remain vigilant by staying on designated trails and avoiding tick habitats. Ticks typically reside in tall grasses, leaf litter, wooded areas, and other shady, moist places. By sticking to the centre of trails and open terrain, you can reduce your chances of encountering ticks.

Incorporating these practices into your camping routine will help you stay safe and reduce the risk of tick bites. Remember to also be aware of the symptoms of tick-borne diseases, such as the characteristic bull's-eye rash of Lyme disease, and seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Shower within two hours of coming inside

Showering within two hours of coming inside is an important step in preventing tick bites and keeping ticks out of your camper. Showering helps to wash away any ticks that may be on your body but have not yet attached themselves. This is crucial as it can take up to 24 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease after attaching to your skin. Showering also provides an opportunity to perform a full-body tick check, which is recommended by the Center for Disease Control.

When performing a tick check, it is important to be thorough and check all areas of the body, including the hair, armpits, and behind the knees. You may need assistance from another person to check hard-to-see areas. If you find a tick, use sharp tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out with steady, upward pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouth to break off and remain in the skin. Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol afterward.

In addition to showering and performing tick checks, it is recommended to put your camping clothes in the dryer for an hour when you return, as the dry heat will kill any ticks that may be on your clothes. It is also a good idea to change out of your hiking clothes and put them in a secure laundry container until they can be washed.

Frequently asked questions