What is a tick?

You’ll find over 800 species of ticks around the globe. These tiny creatures are responsible for more than 30 different varieties of diseases, including: ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, tick paralysis, tick-borne relapsing fever, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever and the widely known, Lyme disease.

Ticks typically reside in grassy areas or woodlands, outside of a main path or campsite. Once a person or animal comes into contact with a tick, it latches onto the skin and begins to suck the blood of the victim. But, it isn’t a tick’s bite that spreads disease, according to eMedicineHealth; it’s actually the tick’s saliva, which contains toxins, that transmits a disease.

Take precautions

Clothing. Because ticks are tiny — usually no bigger than the head of a pin — it’s easy for them to go unnoticed. For this reason, make sure to wear light-colored clothing with tight stitching, which makes it easier to see a tick and harder for the tick to come into contact with your skin. Always wash your clothing as soon as possible to remove any stragglers that might’ve hitched a ride. Also, tuck your pant legs into your shoes and socks, and tuck your shirt and jacket into your pants.

Shoes. Although sandals are convenient on a camping trip, your best bet is to avoid open-toed shoes, especially when walking through the forest. Keep your feet covered as much as possible.

Products. Use a tick protection spray, especially when going on long hikes or straying from the main campsite; you can never be too careful. Keep in mind, though, that these products are highly toxic and must be washed off as soon as you’re finished with your daily activities. Also, wash your hands well after applying.

Be alert. Avoid sitting on bare ground; sit on chairs or blankets instead. When hiking, don’t be tempted to wander too far off the main trails, especially if you aren’t properly covered. Check yourself for ticks or other insects often, and have your friends look for ticks on places like the scalp, behind the ears, on the back and any other area that you can’t see on your own.

Tick removal

What do you do if you spot a tick on your skin? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), always have a pair of thin-tipped tweezers available to remove the tick as soon as possible. Pull the tick straight out, being careful not to crush the body, and dispose immediately. Don’t worry if the mouth is still in the skin — Lyme disease can’t be transmitted once the body is safely removed. To disinfect, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If you notice any signs of Lyme disease — fever, fatigue, headache or a rash — seek medical attention ASAP.

See also:

Keep Skin Safe While Camping

SPF: What You Need to Know

Sunscreen and Children: What Every Parent Must Know