When you enjoy the outdoors, the last What you want to worry about are ticks. According to the State of Alaska Division of Environmental Health, these tiny, eight-legged caterpillars are particularly hard to spot. They are teardrop-shaped, ranging in size from a grain of salt to an apple seed, though they swell when they feed. Ticks primarily live in wooded areas, yards, and low-growing grasslands and can cause general discomfort and serious health problems to humans and pets.
Although ticks do transmit Lyme disease, it is important to know that they do not all carry bacteria. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lyme-infected ticks depend on the geographic area and can affect less than 1% to more than 50% of the population. Johns Hopkins recommends researching your region (or the areas you will be traveling to) for the most accurate information. The CDC has an interactive map of Lyme disease rates in the United States (and other excellent online resources for education and support.)
If you know you’re going to be in areas where ticks are common, Matthew Aardema, an assistant professor of biology at Montclair State University, recommends taking appropriate precautions before heading out. Wear lighter colors (which make ticks easier to see), tuck pants into socks and shirts into waistbands, and make sure you have a good mosquito repellent. You should also consider treating your clothes, shoes, and gear with a spray containing 0.5 percent permethrin.
You also want to make sure to check yourself, your kids, and your pets when you spend time outdoors, making sure to get to your scalp, behind your ears, your armpits, your groin, your belly button, and behind your knees. And hop in the shower after a hike or camping trip, to make sure they’re all gone.
“A tick that’s looking for a place to bite is much easier to remove than a tick that’s already started feeding,” Aardema told HuffPost. “So check for ticks frequently when hiking or spending extended periods of time outdoors.”
Of course, if you spot one of these critters on your body, you’ll want to remove it as soon as possible, especially before it starts feeding. To help you repel these pests, we’ve rounded up some highly rated tick repellents to keep on hand while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
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A trio of removal tools that reviewers say are perfect for dogs
Promising results: “We hike a lot and spend a lot of time outdoors, so ticks are pretty normal for us. Our pups are fully vaccinated and on preventative, but ticks are horrible this season and these tick removers have come in very handy! We have had a 100% success rate with this tool, and we won’t even try to use tweezers again. I highly recommend keeping these easily accessible during tick season if your pups are hanging out with you!” — Kayla H
A card-style removal tool that can be placed in your wallet
Promising results: “With the many ticks I’ve removed from my pets and myself, it’s become a very reliable tool!” — Gérard Webb
A trio of stain removers with a flea comb
Promising results: “My cat had a tick that she didn’t want me near. The tool made removing it quick and less stressful than imagined. She also loves the flea comb.” —Itzy
A set of three keychain tools
Promising results: “I’m sorry to say that I ‘finally’ got to use them today, but… I had a tick in my neck and this little tool made it easy. I thought the angle from my neck would make things difficult, but no, I got it out intact. It’s worth having it in the house, that’s for sure.” – Kyle V.
A practical anti-tick glove
A promising review: “This is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. I have close friends who have had Lyme disease and I can say that this glove is very easy to use and eliminates the hassle. I can’t wait to take it with me to the golf course and when we go hiking! » —Joshua Aaron Knoller
A key ring extractor with a magnifying glass
A promising review: “They have a forked shape that allows you to get under small critters without squeezing the body or head. Then you pull firmly and usually remove the entire tick. The vet suggested it for the dog, but I’ve used it on kids for years. I give them to my family as Christmas gifts because they are very useful and cheap. I also carry one on each key ring so I can remove ticks while still outside. » — EMT
A pair of removal tools for humans and pets
A promising review: “I live in an area where there are a lot of ticks. This works wonders to eliminate them. It’s something you hope you never have to use, but is important if you need it. » —Patricia
A trio of bowl-shaped tick removers
Promising results: “I live in the Northeast so I live in deer tick country. Having dogs and kids around it’s like I’m always removing a tick from someone or something, this is definitely a great way to do it hands free, no harm, no tears. the whole tick comes off great product” — Rebecca
A plier-type remover
Promising review: “It was able to remove a tick that you couldn’t see the body of. It was the instrument used in my health care office to remove the smallest deer tick I’ve ever been bitten by.” — Kindle Customer