Ticks - what to use

[+mikev1963]

I know this has been asked many times before...but still don't have a clear answer.

 

What can I use to prevent ticks from getting on me? I don't feel conftorable using DEET. Is there anything else I can get at the sporting good stores for this?

 

Every time I go out I am coming home loaded with ticks.

 

Mike

[+El Diablo]

I don't believe there is anything better than Deet. I used to be uncomfortable using it too. Then I learned that you have a better chance of catching Lyme disease, West Nyle Virus than having a bad reation to Deet. Now I bathe in the stuff in the summer time.

 

El Diablo

[Donald, Daisy and Kids]

I know this has been asked many times before...but still don't have a clear answer.

 

What can I use to prevent ticks from getting on me? I don't feel conftorable using DEET. Is there anything else I can get at the sporting good stores for this?

 

Every time I go out I am coming home loaded with ticks.

 

Mike

 

I was always suceptable to ticks when I was younger and always found that simply wearing long pants, long cotton or wool socks, and leather boots was enough to stop them getting me.

 

I only ever got them on my legs, unless I was in very long grass, or brushing up against the likes of teatree or other swamp bushes.

 

Here in Australia we have around 70 species of ticks, some are really dangerous, some are really deadly and once ya dead ya dead!

[+michigansnorkelers]

According to this advice from the State of Michigan website, "applying Permethrin (which kills ticks on contact) to clothes can reduce the risk of tick attachment". Permethrin was developed from, and is the artificial analog of naturally occurring pyrethrin from flowers. Permethrin is an odorless repellent that also kills ticks and mosquitoes. Warning, Permethrin is NEVER TO BE APPLIED TO THE SKIN, ONLY TO CLOTHING AHEAD OF TIME. It is readily available at major sporting goods stores. Some types you spray on clothing; others you soak the clothing. It lasts for weeks!

 

Here is the website:

 

http://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/0...75870--,00.html

 

Here are the benefits:

 

http://www.permethrin-repellent.com/permethrin1.htm

 

Here are the warnings:

 

http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides...-report/cox.htm

 

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/permethr.htm

 

Here are some products:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Perme...t/dp/B000E92N1G

 

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDis...gory_rn=4500561

 

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDis...bd-9d207a9b8bd6

 

And finally, this has been covered on previous threads:

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/lofiversi...php?t35256.html

 

Well, that's enough food for thought to start off with.

[+Alan2]

I've been using Buzz Off clothes. - shirt, longs pants and socks. I also have a hat but don't always use that. They're impregnated with Permethrin and good for about 25 washings. I haven't seen any ticks while using them. The clothes are pricey but if you factor in the repeated use of cans of Permethrin on regular clothes, it kind of equals out. Plus you don;t have to deal with the spraying as that's only good for two weeks plus the Buzz Off clothes are ready to go at all times.

 

Permethrin is actually very safe. It's used in medicated shampoo for kids who sometimes spread lice, a cousin of ticks, in schools in their hair. The shampoo is also good for "crabs", but that's another story

Edited November 18, 2006 by Alan2

[+briansnat]

I know this has been asked many times before...but still don't have a clear answer.

 

What can I use to prevent ticks from getting on me? I don't feel conftorable using DEET. Is there anything else I can get at the sporting good stores for this?

 

Every time I go out I am coming home loaded with ticks.

 

Mike

 

There are few products with a better safety record than DEET. It has been applied billions of times over the last half century and adverse reactions are extremely rare when used as directed. There have been 5 known deaths from DEET and 4 came from ingesting the stuff. DEET is far safer than many common household products including Tylenol and laundry detergent.

 

The best way to protect yourself is to cover exposed skin with a DEET based product and apply a permethrin based product to your clothing. Also wear light colored clothes so you can easily see one on you and if you don't mind the high geek look factor, tuck your pant legs into your socks. I personally draw the line there.

[+Ginger!]

My handler takes me caching when he puts that stuff on me; so it's gotta be good!