{"id":2761,"date":"2019-05-03T07:00:18","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/?p=2761"},"modified":"2022-10-24T23:14:05","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T02:14:05","slug":"a-detailed-guide-to-avoiding-ticks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/a-detailed-guide-to-avoiding-ticks\/","title":{"rendered":"A Detailed Guide To Avoiding Ticks"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0With the arrival of Spring in Nova Scotia, we continue to see the tick problem skyrocket. \u00a0A rarity in this province only years ago, ticks are now a well-established reality.\u00a0 They join mosquitos, black flies and deer flies as our most loathsome pests. More than just a seasonal annoyance, ticks emerge whenever temperatures are above 4\u00b0C.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Beyond the normal levels of aggravation wrought upon us by most pests, some ticks spread dangerous pathogens.\u00a0 Concern about Lyme disease is real, as diagnosed cases continue to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtlblog.com\/news\/canada\/lyme-disease-skyrocketing-in-canada-as-tick-population-explodes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">skyrocket<\/a>, approaching epidemic proportions in certain areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Many guides on how to deal with ticks lack details, context, and realities that I\u2019ve come to learn through my own experience. \u00a0Health Canada suggests Permethrin when travelling <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abroad<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, yet it is not available for purchase domestically.\u00a0 Is drenching yourself in DEET and Icaridin an effective alternative?\u00a0 What&#8217;s the best <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product-tag\/tick-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gear to defend yourself<\/a>?\u00a0 I&#8217;ll cover it all in detail, divided into 3 sections listed below:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">1) <a href=\"#tickprevention\"><strong>Tick Prevention<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2) <a href=\"#tickbites\"><strong>Tick Bites<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">3) <a href=\"#importantinfo\"><strong>Important Info<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a id=\"tickprevention\"><\/a>1) <b>Tick Prevention<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#tickavoidance\">Tick Avoidance<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#clothing\">Clothing<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#checks\">Checks<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#repellents\">Repellents<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#hitchhikers\"><strong>Hitchhikers<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"tickavoidance\"><\/a><strong>Tick Avoidance<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2802 size-full alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b.jpg\" alt=\"tick grass\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b-733x550.jpg 733w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b-50x38.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/14765739291_08c01265aa_b-640x480.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0To avoid coming into contact with ticks, the best thing you can do is avoid their favourite habitat. \u00a0Dark, moist areas with tall grass, brush and leaf piles are their favourite. Ticks sit on blades of grass, branches and leaves as they wait for animals to brush by to hitch a ride. \u00a0They <\/span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do not<\/span><\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em> jump or fly<\/em>, they rely on direct contact.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I avoid bushwacking or any kind of off-trail misadventure most of the time anyway, but this is another reason to stay on the trail. \u00a0Like a game of &#8220;Operation&#8221;, I avoid as much contact with the sides of the trail as possible.\u00a0 When I stop to take a break, I&#8217;m mindful of where I place my butt and my gear. \u00a0Rocks and open spaces are preferable to typical tick habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"clothing\"><\/a><strong>Proper Clothing<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0One of the worst things you can do in tick country is to wear dark clothes. \u00a0Spotting a tick on black or brown clothing is almost impossible, especially the tiny ones. \u00a0To avoid this problem, always wear light colours.\u00a0 Choose light colours for all of your outdoor gear, from backpacks to tents. \u00a0Spotting ticks are half the battle, so illuminating them on with a bright white or neon yellow backdrop is ideal.\u00a0 Bold fashion statements are a recurring theme when battling ticks. \u00a0Hiking trails are judgement-free zones so feel free to adopt the anti-tick fashion that works best, regardless of how it looks.\u00a0 I always wear knee-high <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product-tag\/socks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">compression socks<\/a> for a circulation aid and as a tick barrier. \u00a0The brighter and bolder, the better.\u00a0 I also love <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=gaiters&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hiking gaiters<\/a>, but it&#8217;s not easy to find them available in anything other than black.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Another key is to tuck everything in and leave no skin exposed. \u00a0When a tick is on you, it will crawl until it finds exposed skin. \u00a0Typically this means it will crawl from your lower body, upward until it finds the weak point. \u00a0Often this is under your shorts, at your waist, up your sleeves, on your neck and into your hair.\u00a0 Ticks&#8217; lack of decorum means they have a knack for going for vulnerable hiding places. \u00a0The back of your knees, groin, armpits, ears and hair are favourite spots for these loathsome creatures.\u00a0 Sealing up all possible points of entry is your ideal battle plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"checks\"><\/a><strong>Tick Checks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2804 size-full alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/5986033_184b41d7.jpg\" alt=\"checking for ticks\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/5986033_184b41d7.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/5986033_184b41d7-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/5986033_184b41d7-413x550.jpg 413w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/5986033_184b41d7-38x50.jpg 38w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tick checks are the most important part of battling ticks. \u00a0Check often, and check thoroughly when you are done your outdoor activity. \u00a0Once you discover a tick on you, your gear, in your car or in your bed to fuel your nightmares, you will quickly discover one of the most maddening aspects of ticks.\u00a0 Suddenly you see and feel phantom ticks everywhere, locking you in a state of hyper-vigilant paranoia.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0A certain degree of paranoia is good to remind you to do tick checks, but it is a balancing act to maintain sanity and enjoyment.\u00a0 Check yourself at every break, have a quick look after walking through bushes or tall grass, and a thorough check when you&#8217;re done your outdoor activities.\u00a0 This amount of checking is enough to stay safe without being in a constant state of hyper-vigilance.\u00a0 Keep in mind that for a tick to transmit Lyme disease, it typically <em>needs to be attached for at least 24 hours,<\/em>\u00a0so catching them early is key.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The ticks that cause the most problems are nymphs as small as 2mm, or the size of a tiny ant. \u00a0That small size is precisely why they are the cause of the majority of Lyme cases.\u00a0 Spotting something of this size requires a thorough inspection. \u00a0To help with these checks, I carry a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Ljd5oW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lint roller<\/a> to give myself an airport-style screening after any outdoor activity.\u00a0 Thoroughly examine your backpack and gear before placing it in your car, tent or home. \u00a0If you&#8217;re exhausted and not in the mood, have a heavy-duty <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2DME5qG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contractor garbage bag<\/a> to put your gear in and keep it outside before you can thoroughly check it.\u00a0 Wash your clothes and shower asap to wash off anything you missed and have a final thorough check.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"repellents\"><\/a><strong>Tick Repellents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From my experience, traditional repellents such as <strong>DEET<\/strong> are not nearly as effective against ticks as they are against flies. \u00a0My philosophy is to save chemical repellents as a last resort when you&#8217;re in a place that you know is full of ticks and\/or heavy levels of bugs. \u00a0From my years of tree planting amongst ungodly levels of insects, most of us opted for full body <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=bug+jacket&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bug jackets<\/a> over chemical spray, but often used both to <em>maintain sanity:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 580px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-2761-1\" width=\"580\" height=\"435\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Bugs2.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Bugs2.mp4\">http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Bugs2.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product\/piactive-deet-free-insect-repellent-175ml\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Icaridin<\/strong><\/a> is a modern alternative to DEET, and is said to be less harmful and just as effective. \u00a0I put it in the same category as DEET as far as its effectiveness against ticks.\u00a0 Both are very effective with flies, but more of a mere annoyance to ticks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2805 size-full alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/15764-a-man-spraying-insect-spray-on-his-shirt-pv.jpg\" alt=\"deet tick repellent\" width=\"958\" height=\"654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/15764-a-man-spraying-insect-spray-on-his-shirt-pv.jpg 958w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/15764-a-man-spraying-insect-spray-on-his-shirt-pv-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/15764-a-man-spraying-insect-spray-on-his-shirt-pv-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/15764-a-man-spraying-insect-spray-on-his-shirt-pv-806x550.jpg 806w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/15764-a-man-spraying-insect-spray-on-his-shirt-pv-50x34.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" \/> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Nowadays I try to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals unless it&#8217;s an overwhelming bug situation. \u00a0As for ticks, the only highly effective chemical defence I have used is <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/thewirecutter.com\/blog\/permethrin-protect-from-ticks\/\">Permethrin<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u00a0My Permethrin-treated gear has almost never retained ticks, even in areas where my companions with non-treated gear had many. \u00a0Canada&#8217;s approach to this pesticide is baffling, especially in the face of the Lyme epidemic.\u00a0 The Canadian government&#8217;s<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/diseases\/insect-bite-prevention.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">own advice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to use Permethrin, yet it is not possible to buy in Canada. \u00a0This hindrance is not shared by our American neighbours where it is readily available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The odd restrictions don\u2019t apply to certain <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=permethrin&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">clothing<\/a> brands who are now offering (often costly) pre-treated permethrin-infused products. \u00a0Further adding to the confusion, the clothing has to be marketed as mosquito and fly repellent without touting the Permethrin tick prevention aspect.\u00a0 This can be seen with Mark&#8217;s Work Warehouse&#8217;s line of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marks.com\/en\/innovations\/no-fly-zone.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwuqfoBRAEEiwAZErCsopVXJ-r_5J7GzgN1cISIJhrYJc9j9GY3RfkC2sstgkipTlgcGL-2BoClXsQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">permethrin-treated clothing<\/a> (not a paid promotion).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you\u2019re able to buy Permethrin, make sure you apply it safely. \u00a0As with any chemical, read about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/insect-repellent\/how-to-use-permethrin-on-clothing-safely\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proper usage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first. \u00a0Don&#8217;t use it on your skin, only treat gear that will not be in direct contact with your skin. \u00a0A single treatment lasts through many washes so you don&#8217;t need to re-apply it often.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Gear Up at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=2761&amp;action=edit&amp;classic-editor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop.Halifaxtrails.ca<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product-tag\/tick-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4463 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/tick-removers-repellents-tw1.jpg\" alt=\"Tick repellents, removers &amp; clothing\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/tick-removers-repellents-tw1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/tick-removers-repellents-tw1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/tick-removers-repellents-tw1-50x25.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I think it\u2019s worthwhile to experiment with <strong>all-natural repellents<\/strong> as they are likely to work as well as DEET, without the chemicals. \u00a0A local Nova Scotian company called \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product\/mosquito-repellent-patch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atlantick<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d offers such a product (not a paid promotion).\u00a0 I&#8217;ve used it for one season and not had a tick with it yet (anecdotal evidence to be sure).\u00a0 While Atlantick smells much nicer than DEET, I find it&#8217;s not as effective against flies (also not its stated purpose).\u00a0 It costs considerably more than DEET, but it seems to be worth my investment so far.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I also like these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product\/mosquito-repellent-patch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all-natural patches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for <em>light<\/em> levels of flies (don\u2019t expect a miracle).\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=mosquito+coil&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mosquito coils<\/a> and these new <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=thermacell&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thermacell devices<\/a> are also great for clearing your campsite or rest area. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"hitchhikers\"><\/a><strong>Hitchhiking Ticks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2811 size-full alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/1280px-US_no_hitchhiking_signs.svg_.png\" alt=\"hitchhiking ticks\" width=\"1280\" height=\"796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/1280px-US_no_hitchhiking_signs.svg_.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/1280px-US_no_hitchhiking_signs.svg_-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/1280px-US_no_hitchhiking_signs.svg_-768x478.png 768w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/1280px-US_no_hitchhiking_signs.svg_-884x550.png 884w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/1280px-US_no_hitchhiking_signs.svg_-50x31.png 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0One of the insidious ways ticks can continue to wreak havoc on you is to hitch a ride home and appear in unexpected places days or weeks later.\u00a0 Ticks are like velcro and are not easy to brush off.\u00a0 Once they are on you, they often require more than just a swipe.\u00a0 Their gripping attributes make them highly adept at hitching a ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I always say it\u2019s best to treat yourself and your gear as if it&#8217;s come in contact with an infectious disease. \u00a0Careful handling, and examination before bringing it into your car or home is a must.\u00a0 For me, that means examing every inch of myself and my gear before getting in the car.\u00a0 If you don&#8217;t have company to check your back, snapping pictures with your phone is better than nothing.\u00a0 I always keep a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2vAzVhg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lint roller<\/a> in my car for post-hike tick checks, as well as an XL heavy duty <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Vc6RMm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contractor grade garbage bag<\/a> to throw my backpack and other gear into.\u00a0 If I&#8217;m too tired to spend the proper amount of time examining my gear before I head home, I know the ticks are going to be confined to the garbage bag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0When I get home, I do another quick check before walking in the house, leave my gear and boots outside, throw my clothes in the wash, and have a shower immediately.\u00a0 Get to know yourself more intimately than you ever wanted to with the aid of a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2DLRgrU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">telescoping mirror<\/a>, and have a thorough wash with a cloth, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ZZ0U4e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bath brush<\/a> or other scrubbing agents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Kids and pets require special attention. \u00a0Pets are tick magnets and are much more difficult to do a<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ticks\/avoid\/on_pets.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thorough check<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u00a0The use of pet <a href=\"https:\/\/www.certapet.com\/best-flea-tick-treatment-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">anti-tick medication<\/a> is good, but definitely not foolproof when it comes to bringing ticks home. \u00a0A <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VEciTK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">flea comb<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=tick+remover&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tick remover<\/a> are good tools for your arsenal.\u00a0 Not letting your pets run through the aforementioned <a href=\"#tickavoidance\">tick habitat<\/a> is the best way to avoid them in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a id=\"tickbites\"><\/a>2) <b>Tick Bites<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#removal\"><b>Avoid hasty removal.<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"#removers\">Carry a tick remover<\/a>.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"#clean\">Clean with alcohol wipes<\/a>.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"#storage\">Storing, Reporting &amp; Treating<\/a>.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><a href=\"#monitor\">Monitor bites<\/a>.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"removal\"><\/a><strong>Avoid Improper Removal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Discovering you&#8217;ve got a tick attached to you is a sinking feeling the first couple of times it happens to you. \u00a0Your first instinct may be to freak out and rip it off as fast as possible, but that is one of the worst things you can do. \u00a0Improper removal can result in squeezing nastiness into you, and result in an incomplete removal.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/diseases\/lyme-disease\/removing-submitting-ticks-testing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Proper removal<\/a> is quick, painless and clean.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ticks are darn <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2017\/09\/170925133016.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">near indestructible<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can live for a long time in almost any environment.\u00a0 Unlike most insects, they are nearly un-squashable due to their armour plating.\u00a0 Putting them through a wash cycle is no guarantee of killing them.\u00a0 The hot dry air of a dyer is likely to kill them but doesn\u2019t always ensure their demise. \u00a0They can live for months without feeding as they patiently wait for their next victim and live for years in a normal life cycle.\u00a0 Unlike most insects, ticks require special attention to ensure permanent banishment.\u00a0 Drown them in alcohol, seal them up with tape or take other such deliberate measures to ensure their demise.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"removers\"><\/a><strong>Tick Removers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product\/tick-twister-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2807 size-full alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Tick_Twister_OTOM_Tire_Tic.jpg\" alt=\"tick remover\" width=\"1227\" height=\"929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Tick_Twister_OTOM_Tire_Tic.jpg 1227w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Tick_Twister_OTOM_Tire_Tic-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Tick_Twister_OTOM_Tire_Tic-768x581.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Tick_Twister_OTOM_Tire_Tic-726x550.jpg 726w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Tick_Twister_OTOM_Tire_Tic-50x38.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1227px) 100vw, 1227px\" \/><\/a> \u00a0\u00a0The best thing you can do for tick removal is to have a proper <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/?term=&amp;s=tick+remover&amp;post_type=product&amp;taxonomy=product_cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tick remover<\/a> on hand.\u00a0 The best kind is simply the one that you will always carry with you.\u00a0 Have it in your backpack, attached to your keyring, <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product\/tick-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">in your wallet<\/a>, or something that you will always have when you&#8217;re outdoors. \u00a0Tweezers work in a pinch but aren&#8217;t as simple and straightforward for clean removal.\u00a0 Especially if you have a pet, you should own a few tick removers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"clean\"><\/a><strong>Alcohol Wipes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you are bitten, cleaning the bite area with an <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VBuqh3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">alcohol wipe<\/a> is a good insurance policy. \u00a0Ensuring there are no harmful bacteria on or around the bite will help prevent any future problems that might arise. \u00a0You should always have alcohol wipes along with a tick remover in your first-aid kit.\u00a0 A <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product-tag\/first-aid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">first-aid kit<\/a> is as vital as water and a compass.\u00a0 Even for quick outings, always pack a compact, lightweight kit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"storage\"><\/a><strong>Storing, Reporting &amp; Treating<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The last thing you may want to do after a tick-removing freakout is to store it as a panic-inducing trophy. \u00a0Keeping the tick does, however, serve an important purpose for identification and assessment.\u00a0 Keep in mind that Canada is far behind the curve when it comes to testing people for Lyme so don&#8217;t expect your tick to get sent off to the lab.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0It is helpful for your own reference to identify the different types of ticks, specifically the problematic deer tick.\u00a0 A new <a href=\"https:\/\/etick.ca\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">website and accompanying app<\/a> allow you to report the ticks and have them identified by experts.\u00a0 This &#8220;citizen science project&#8221; is a partnership of various academic institutions and Canadian public health agencies and looks to be a promising source of useful data.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Pharmacists in Nova Scotia and many other places now offer free tick-bite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxexaminer.ca\/featured\/pharmacists-scope-of-practice-to-include-checking-tick-bites-prescribing-antibiotics-to-prevent-lyme-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">assessment and treatment<\/a>.\u00a0 They are now able to prescribe antibiotics for preventative treatment if their assessment warrants it.\u00a0 These assessments are now a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/nova-scotia\/nova-scotia-covers-cost-of-tick-bite-assessments-at-pharmacies-1.6229996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free service<\/a> in Nova Scotia and treatment can be prescribed within a 72-hour window after the tick is removed.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a id=\"monitor\"><\/a><strong>Monitoring Tick Bites<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2799 size-thumbnail\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Erythema_migrans_-_erythematous_rash_in_Lyme_disease_-_PHIL_9875-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"bullseye rash\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Erythema_migrans_-_erythematous_rash_in_Lyme_disease_-_PHIL_9875-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Erythema_migrans_-_erythematous_rash_in_Lyme_disease_-_PHIL_9875-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you are bitten, it&#8217;s important to monitor the site of the bite for any abnormalities in the days that follow. \u00a0If you notice any changes on your skin, specifically a bullseye rash, see a doctor or pharmacist immediately.\u00a0 The rash is commonly but not always associated with Lyme. \u00a0Pay attention to your health and note any changes in how you feel.\u00a0 If you notice any abnormalities, specifically headaches, swelling, or flu-like symptoms, see a doctor or pharmacist immediately. \u00a0These symptoms may develop anywhere from 3-30 days after the bite, but typically within 7 days.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a id=\"importantinfo\"><\/a>3) <b>Important Info<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#lymetransmission\"><b>Lyme transmission.<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#blackleggedticks\"><b>Black-legged ticks.<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#nymphs\"><b>Nymphs.<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a id=\"transmission\"><\/a><b>Lyme Disease Transmission<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0According to Health Canada, ticks need to be attached for 24-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease.\u00a0 There are ongoing debates into this timeframe, as others say the tick does not have to be attached for this period of time, in unusual cases.\u00a0 This is good news if you are vigilant with your tick checks and tick prevention.\u00a0 If you don&#8217;t bring them into your living quarters and check early and often you will be in the clear.\u00a0 Lyme is most often associated with a bulls-eye rash, but <em>not always<\/em>.\u00a0 Symptoms can be wide-ranging, from intense headaches to flu-like symptoms and many things in between.\u00a0 If you are experiencing any health changes at all after being bitten by a tick, see your doctor immediately.\u00a0 Quick diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring no long-term health effects.\u00a0 Lyme is carried specifically by the Deer Tick aka Black-Legged tick, so it is helpful to preserve ticks that bite you for further identification and possible future testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  id=\"_ytid_86284\"  width=\"580\" height=\"326\"  data-origwidth=\"580\" data-origheight=\"326\"  data-relstop=\"1\" data-facadesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TtBb_pBZUaQ?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;rel=0&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;disablekb=0&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__ epyt-facade epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" data-epautoplay=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" data-spai-excluded=\"true\" class=\"epyt-facade-poster skip-lazy\" loading=\"lazy\"  alt=\"YouTube player\"  src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TtBb_pBZUaQ\/maxresdefault.jpg\"  \/><button class=\"epyt-facade-play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><svg data-no-lazy=\"1\" height=\"100%\" version=\"1.1\" viewBox=\"0 0 68 48\" width=\"100%\"><path class=\"ytp-large-play-button-bg\" d=\"M66.52,7.74c-0.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79,.13,34,0,34,0S12.21,.13,6.9,1.55 C3.97,2.33,2.27,4.81,1.48,7.74C0.06,13.05,0,24,0,24s0.06,10.95,1.48,16.26c0.78,2.93,2.49,5.41,5.42,6.19 C12.21,47.87,34,48,34,48s21.79-0.13,27.1-1.55c2.93-0.78,4.64-3.26,5.42-6.19C67.94,34.95,68,24,68,24S67.94,13.05,66.52,7.74z\" fill=\"#f00\"><\/path><path d=\"M 45,24 27,14 27,34\" fill=\"#fff\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<h3><a id=\"blackleggedticks\"><\/a><b>Black-Legged Ticks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/pest-control-tips\/blacklegged-deer-ticks.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black-legged ticks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or deer ticks, are the only species of tick that carry Lyme Disease. \u00a0While it\u2019s good to avoid all ticks, these deserve special attention. \u00a0Learning how to <a href=\"https:\/\/tickencounter.org\/tick_identification\/tick_species\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">identify them<\/a> is valuable knowledge to have.\u00a0 Your first few encounters with ticks, you may have trouble identifying them.\u00a0 Pay attention to all ticks you see and you&#8217;ll soon be able to spot the differences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2809 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/180625-F-OI210-0004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"703\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/180625-F-OI210-0004.jpg 703w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/180625-F-OI210-0004-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/180625-F-OI210-0004-50x28.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 703px) 100vw, 703px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"nymphs\"><\/a><b>Nymphs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Most people are afraid of the bigger, fully grown ticks as they are more menacing looking and their bites can hurt. \u00a0For those two reasons, it is less likely you have to worry about fully grown ticks.\u00a0 Adult ticks are much <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.state.mn.us\/diseases\/tickborne\/images\/tickslinedup.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">easier to spot<\/a> and to feel, so you have a high likelihood of removing them before the 24-hour minimum. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Nymphs and immature ticks are much more difficult to see and feel, thus requiring up-close, thorough checks.\u00a0 Nymphs can be less than 2mm in size, making them as difficult to spot as a small ant.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Summary<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I now look back on the good old days when swarms of mosquitos, black flies and deer flies used to be the worst of God&#8217;s creatures. \u00a0Thanks to the climate crisis, ticks have now taken that crown here in Nova Scotia where they did not exist to any significant degree just a few years ago.\u00a0 An interesting read on this subject is &#8220;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.halifaxtrails.ca\/product\/lyme-the-first-epidemic-of-climate-change-hardcover\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lyme: The First Epidemic Of Climate Change<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8221; by Mary Beth Pfeiffer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/canlyme.com\/just-diagnosed\/testing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diagnosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and treatment of Lyme disease in Canada is extremely <a href=\"https:\/\/globalnews.ca\/news\/5453096\/canadian-lyme-disease-cases-missed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">unreliable and inadequate<\/a>. \u00a0Our government is far behind where it should be in battling this epidemic.\u00a0 That means it&#8217;s up to you to avoid it. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0All of this is to say that you should not let ticks spoil your enjoyment of nature.\u00a0 Everything mentioned in this guide is in an abundance of caution.\u00a0 Your chance of contracting a tick-borne illness, though constantly rising, is still very low.\u00a0 With the proper amount of preparation, awareness and vigilance detailed in this guide, you&#8217;ll be safe from ticks and their pathogens. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0This is our new normal, but you should push your representatives in government to address the Lyme epidemic with the urgency it requires.\u00a0 The <a href=\"https:\/\/canlyme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation<\/a> is a non-profit organization doing just that.\u00a0 We need to ensure our testing, treatment and preventive measures are far better than they are now.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0With the arrival of Spring in Nova Scotia, we continue to see the tick problem skyrocket. \u00a0A rarity in this province only years ago, ticks are now a well-established reality.\u00a0 They join mosquitos, black flies and deer flies as our most loathsome pests. More than just a seasonal annoyance, ticks emerge whenever temperatures are above [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/template-full-width.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[337],"tags":[146,237],"class_list":["post-2761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-hiking","tag-nature"],"wppr_data":{"cwp_meta_box_check":"No"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Detailed Guide To Avoiding Ticks - The Outdoor Rapport<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tips, Tricks &amp; Info To Stay Safe From Ticks &amp; Lyme Disease. 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