Protect Yourself From Tick Bites This Summer

Nobody likes ticks. That’s because ticks are nasty creatures. It’s bad enough that they pierce your skin so they can suck your blood. But they can also spread dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Most people think of ticks as insects, but they are actually classified as arachnids. Like spiders, they have eight legs and no antennae. And they need a blood meal to survive.

They crawl up grass or low brush and wait for an animal (or human) to walk by. When a possible host animal brushes by, ticks will reach out with their front legs and grab the fur of the animal or the clothing or skin of a human. Because they are small, ticks often go undetected.

Ticks are long-term feeders

Once a tick finds a host animal or person, it buries its curved teeth deeply into the skin. This enables a tick to latch on for long-term feeding. If not discovered, a tick can feed off a host animal for many days.

If there is any good news about ticks, it’s that they usually require one or two days of continual feeding to transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. That’s why it’s crucial to examine yourself (and your animals) for ticks immediately after hiking or spending time outdoors where ticks might be present.

If you find a tick, remove it right away.

How to prevent tick bites

Ticks tend to be most active in the warmer months—and that’s exactly when most people are active outdoors. So, being outside to walk your dog, work in the garden, camp at a campsite, or enjoying a trail in the mountains can all expose you to the dangers of ticks.

That’s why it is important to be aware of ticks and take precautions that minimize your exposure to these dangerous pests.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from ticks is to spray your clothing and outdoor gear with a permethrin spray such as Summit Green Armor Insect Repellent. Permethrin repels and kills ticks, chiggers, mites, and mosquitoes. When used proactively as a preventative measure, Summit Green Armor Insect Repellent can protect you and your family against disease-spreading pests.

Spray directly on clothing and outdoor gear

Permethrin-based Summit Green Armor Insect Repellent is a ready-to-use solution to tick and insect exposure. Simply spray it on clothing, tents, shoes, and outdoor gear. (Do not apply directly to skin.)

To apply, point the spray bottle and spray directly onto clothing and gear with a slow, sweeping motion. Keep the bottle about 6-8 inches away and treat each side of the garment for about 30 seconds. Allow garments to dry thoroughly for 2 hours after treatment before wearing.

Green Armor Insect Repellent adds an odorless layer of protection to shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, and all outdoor gear—including tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks. This permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers and continues to kill and repel biting insects for up to 6 weeks—even after washing.

One 32-ounce bottle of Green Armor Insect Repellent will treat about 7 full outfits. In addition to the permethrin spray, experts recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin for maximum protection.

Of course, it is also important to conduct a full body check for ticks when you return from any time spent outdoors. Showering soon after coming indoors will also help reduce your exposure to tick-borne diseases. Shower water can help wash off any unattached ticks.

Summit Green Armor Insect Repellent in a ready-to-spray 32-ounce bottle is available at Tractor Supply stores and online at summitchemical.com/products/summit-green-armor-insect-repellent/.

About the author

Randall D. Schultz a master gardener and the content editor for HomeGardenandHomestead.com, an award-winning website filled with helpful advice for homeowners and homesteaders. Subscribe to the free e-newsletter and receive the booklet, “15 Garden Hacks that Will Save You Money.”