How to Keep Ticks Off When Camping

Ticks can be a problem for people who enjoy the outdoors. They have the potential to transmit diseases, like Lyme disease, by biting a human and feeding on his blood for several hours. Since their bites are generally painless at first, a tick can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Take preventative measures to keep tick bites from occurring while camping.

Things You'll Need

  • Proper clothing
  • Tick repellentt with 20% DEET
  • Permethrin
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Know what areas most commonly contain ticks. Tall grasses, shrubs and brushy areas are often home to these small arachnids. By avoiding these areas, you lower your chances of interacting with ticks. Set up your tent in a well-maintained area, and stick to trails and paths that are commonly cleared of high grass.

    • 2

      Dress appropriately. One of the best ways to keep ticks off your skin is to wear the proper clothing. Wear closed-toe shoes, not sandals, to keep ticks from having access to your feet. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from attaching to your skin. Light colored clothing will make it easy to see ticks that are crawling on you.

    • 3

      Spray on the proper repellent to prevent ticks from coming near you. Use a spray that contains at least 20% DEET. It should be sprayed directly onto bare skin, and a layer should also go onto clothing. It should last for a few hours and can be bought at hardware stores, on-line and even big-box chain stores.

    • 4

      Use sprays with Permethrin to protect your campsite from ticks. Permethrin can be sprayed on clothing and camping equipment, but should not be sprayed directly onto a person’s skin. These types of insect sprays can be bought at a hardware store. It can protect boots, camping supplies and clothing, even after a couple of washings.