Ticks are most active from April to September when many people enjoy hiking, camping, and backpacking. But you don’t have to be deep in the woods to get bitten by a tick – it can even happen in your own backyard!

No matter how much time you spend outside, learning how to keep ticks away so you don’t get sick is important. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to learn how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you find a tick on you.

Following these simple steps, you can avoid ticks and enjoy your hike.

Step 1: Wear the Right Clothes

The first thing you can do to avoid ticks is to wear the right clothes. Here’s what you should wear:

• Long Pants and Long Sleeves: Covering your arms and legs makes it harder for ticks to get to your skin.
• Tuck Your Pants into Your Socks: This might look funny, but it stops ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Light-Colored Clothes: Ticks are dark, so wearing light clothes helps you see them more easily.

Step 2: Use Bug Spray

Before you start hiking, spray bug repellent on your clothes and exposed skin. Look for a bug spray that says it protects against ticks. This will help keep ticks away from you.

Step 3: Stay on the Trail

Ticks like to hang out in tall grass, bushes, and leaves on the ground. The best way to avoid them is to stay on the trail. Don’t wander off into the bushes or grassy areas.

Step 4: Check for Ticks During and After Your Hike

Even if you follow all the steps, it’s still important to check for ticks. Here’s how to do it:

• During the Hike: Every once in a while, stop and look at your clothes and skin to see if there are any ticks.
• After the Hike: When you finish hiking, do a full tick check. Look carefully at your skin, especially in places like your hair, behind your ears, and under your arms. Ask a friend or adult to help you if you need it.

Step 5: Remove Ticks Safely

If you find a tick, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

• Use Tweezers: Grab the tick as close to your skin as possible with tweezers.
• Pull It Out Slowly: Gently pull the tick straight out. Don’t twist or jerk it.
• Clean the Area: Wash the bite area with soap and water.

Conclusion: 

Ticks might seem scary, but by following these steps, you can easily avoid them while hiking. Remember to wear the right clothes, use bug spray, stay on the trail, check for ticks, and remove any ticks you find safely. Now, go out and enjoy your hike with confidence!