In the northeastern US, there are two species of ticks.
Wood ticks are large and, although annoying, do not cause disease. Deer ticks, barely visible to the naked eye, were introduced to the northeastern United States 30 years ago and transmit Lyme disease. These microscopic interlopers have impacted the outdoor experience almost as much as the sprawl.
If I had a penny for every person who told me they now limit their outdoor activities to winter to avoid ticks, I’d be a billionaire.
I don’t leave home without my pre-hike preparation, which includes making myself lethal to ticks. So what’s my secret?
A derivative of crushed dried daisy chrysanthemum flowers. The insecticidal properties of these plants have been recognized since the 18th century:
permethrin. It has worked for me for the past 7 years. I am specifically referring to pump or spray application for fiber, not a skin cream or ointment.
Permethrin is a chemically synthesized derivative of the dried and crushed flowers of Daisy Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, more commonly known as Pyrethrum).
It is available at sporting goods and camping supply stores. The product available in NY is valid for two weeks, but there are products on the market that last up to six weeks.
This is what I do:
* In a well-ventilated area, apply Permethrin to all clothing, headgear, shoes, gloves
* Pay special attention to the neck, underarm, waist, knee and ankle areas of the garments
* Apply permethrin to backpack, especially arm straps, tent, sleeping bag, stuff sacks
* Allow items to dry before packing
Why is Permethrin different than DEET? Permethrin stuns or kills insects that come in contact with it. DEET repels insects by blocking receptors on an insect’s antennae that help it find its host. Once permethrin has dried on clothing, it binds so strongly to the fibers that any potential for absorption through the skin is negligible.
Is permethrin safe for children and pets? While using the pump or sprayer, be especially careful to stay away from water sources, ponds, or pet fountains. Permethrin is toxic to fish, but has not been shown to be toxic to birds. Although there are permethrin sprays that are sold specifically for dogs, these products should never be used on cats. Due to their grooming habits and the slow metabolism of permethrin, cats are much more susceptible to permethrin toxicity. Once the permethrin has dried on any fabric, it is no longer toxic.
What happens if permethrin gets on your skin? I usually wash my hands after applying permethrin. Everything I have read indicates that it is poorly absorbed by the skin and inactivated and excreted by the skin and liver. I have a history of acute skin allergies, so I wash my hands.
Can permethrin harm the environment? Some research indicates that permethrin is broken down by sunlight, readily metabolized by soil microorganisms, and once dry, binds so tightly to fibers that it does not melt or leach into the environment.
What other preventive measures can nature lovers take?
* Know your opponent
Deer ticks cannot jump or fly, and they do not drop from above on a passing animal. Potential hosts (which include all wild birds and mammals, domestic animals, and humans) acquire ticks only through direct contact with them. Once a tick attaches itself to human skin, it typically climbs upwards to a sheltered or wrinkled area, often on the back of the knee, groin, belly button, armpit, ears, or nape of the neck. It then begins the process of inserting its mouthparts into the skin until it reaches the blood supply.
* Plan ahead
If I’m building a debris shelter, I apply DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) to my skin. I would not put DEET on children under 3 years of age. If you are applying DEET to children, a maximum concentration of 30% is recommended, but consult your pediatrician. Have a tick inspection plan and tick removal plan in place.
* Awareness is a survival tool
Ticks that are not attached do not transmit disease. Not all ticks transmit the infection and, once bitten, it takes 36 to 48 hours for the tick to begin transmitting the disease.
* Avoid wrong moves
Touching a tick with a hot match, crushing it, twisting it, applying Vaseline, alcohol, or any other irritants are not effective and may increase the risk of infection.
* Practice the correct movements
Carry a tick removal kit or a pair of precision-pointed, non-scratch fine-tipped tweezers whose tips align firmly when firmly pressed together. Practice holding the tweezers so that, if you had to, you could grab the tick by the head or mouthparts just where it enters the skin and pull firmly, steadily, and straight out. Resist the temptation to grab the body of the tick, shake it, or twist it to remove it.
* Proper tick removal
Alcohol kills ticks. I used to squash them but now I wrap them in an alcohol wipe and put it in a container or put them in an alcohol jar if I find them walking all over me.
* Protect your skin from the sun and wind.
Some people wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, which is certainly effective. I like shorts and tank tops, so I apply a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. With that, DEET and air terminal pollens clinging to my skin. I make it a point to wash exposed skin with colloidal oatmeal. If I’m on a long walk, I reapply protection once a day or after swimming. Otherwise, I wash my skin as soon as I get home.
In the summer, I spray my furniture and curtains with permethrin, just in case a tick gets in. I haven’t seen a tick on me in over two years and I haven’t been bitten by a tick in over five years. Maybe I’m just lucky, but given the way I like to explore, I’m sure these methods are effective.
