Backpacker Magazine – June 2006

Ticks: Avoid the enemy

To protect yourself from ticks-and reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease-follow these steps.

by: Christie Aschwanden

Tags:
• Health & first aid
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• Health
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• Skills
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> Steer clear of marshy areas, and minimize your contact with high grass, brush, and woody shrubs.

> Wear long pants and tuck them into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. Tick researchers wind duct tape around the sock-pant junction to keep ticks out.

> Wear long sleeves and tuck your shirt into your pants to keep ticks off of your torso.

> Wear light-colored clothing so you can spot ticks more easily.

> Spread deet on your skin, or spray the insecticide permethrin on your clothing.

> At least once a day, do a tick check. Think little-nymphs, which spread Lyme disease far more than adults, are usually smaller than a tiny freckle.

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