Preventing Tick Bites While Camping

Imagine you are camping and have just spent a long day hiking, biking, and enjoying time with your family. Then you look down and see one of the dreaded black bugs attached to your skin. That’s right, it’s a tick. Nobody wants to be the victim of a tick bite but luckily there are some tips you can follow to minimize your risk of being bitten.

• Wear Protective Clothing: When camping in tick-prone areas, it’s important to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Use Insect Repellent: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Look for repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or permethrin. Follow the instructions on the label and reapply as needed.
• Choose Campsites Carefully: Select campsites that are away from tall grasses, dense vegetation, and wooded areas, as these are common habitats for ticks.
• Clear Camping Area: Before setting up your campsite, clear the area of leaves, brush, and tall grass. Ticks often hide in these areas, so creating a clear zone can reduce the chance of encountering them.
• Perform Daily Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the hairline, behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist, inside the belly button, between the legs, and behind the knees. Don’t forget to check your pets as well.
• Remove Ticks Properly: If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Gently pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this may cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. After removing the tick, clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Launder and Dry Clothes: Ticks can hitch a ride on your clothing, so it’s important to wash and dry your clothes on high heat after camping. This can help kill any ticks that may be on your clothes.
• Protect Pets: If you’re camping with pets, make sure they are protected against ticks. Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate tick preventatives for your furry companions.
• Know the Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, so you can seek medical attention if necessary. Symptoms may include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

By following these precautions and being vigilant about tick checks, you can reduce the risk of tick bites while camping. If you find a tick bite and develop any concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

We hope these tips can make your camping experience even more enjoyable. We hope to see you all at Knoxville Campground soon!