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Nature is known to reduce stress and anxiety and outdoor activities like biking or having a picnic in a park can benefit your health. This makes spending time outdoors significant not only for your mental health but also physical heath.
However, outdoor activities also come with certain risks, including insects, especially ticks that may carry Lyme disease.
But don’t worry because there are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of finding a tick on yourself, according to Health.
Keep your head covered
Ticks are found in the grass, trees and shrubs. If you brush up against a branch, you may accidentally knock off a tick, giving it an opportunity to fall anywhere on your body, including your head.
Keep your head covered with a cap or tie your hair back to prevent ticks from getting to your scalp. Additionally, spray repellent into your hands and then apply it to your face with your fingers.
Double-check damp areas of skin folds
Check your body for ticks when you come back inside. Ticks love dark, moist areas so focus on the skin folds, backs of the knees, in and around your ears, inside your belly button and armpits when you’re looking for them.
Take a shower
After being outdoors, take a shower to scrub away any ticks you miss when you lather up.
You can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses by showering within two hours of coming indoors.
Pull up your socks
Put on some white cotton socks, and tuck your pant legs into them to be better protected.
Treat your clothes
If you’re heading into tick-heavy backcountry for days, consider applying the insecticide permethrin by to your clothes which lasts through up to six washes.
You can also treat your boots and other camping gear with permethrin.
Follow the instructions on the label. Make sure you have a ventilated area when you apply the product and a place to hang dry your clothes when you’re done spraying.
Use insect repellent
Insect repellent can discourage insects from getting too close.
Some repellents, like those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, should not be used on children under three years old.
Wear white or light-coloured clothing
Tiny ticks are easier to spot against light-coloured clothing. When you’re off to hit the trails, don clothes of lighter hues. This will make it easier for you to spot any ticks on your clothing.
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