Updated: 05/15/2024
With warmer weather slowly making its appearance, many of us are spending more time outdoors – which means we need to be alert when it comes to ticks! Read on to learn how to gear up for the summer months and improve your prevention practices.
Dress Appropriately
Long sleeves, pants, and high socks are the way to go when hiking or walking through brushy areas. Tucking your pant legs into those high socks is a great way to be extra careful to preventing ticks from climbing up the leg. Of course, if it’s too hot outside, opt for high socks at the very minimum. Light-colored clothing is ideal, as it will be easier to notice the presence of a tiny black “dot”; this will ensure any ticks stand out easily if they do hitch on a ride on you. Lastly, aim to wear closed-toe shoes when adventuring outdoors.
Tick Repellent
Not all repellents are created equally. We recommend Tick Tock Naturals non-aerosol spray, which is a DEET-free organic insect repellent made with lemongrass oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, and eugenol. It provides up to 4-5 hours of protection per application against ticks, mosquitos, and spiders. After applying your sunscreen, spritz some Tick Tock onto your neck, ankles, and anywhere else that is exposed and you want to protect. Be sure to spray away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can even spray onto a cloth and wipe over your pet to protect your furry friends, too!
Tick Check
Once you're finished with those beautiful hikes, make sure to do a thorough “tick check” afterwards on yourself, your children, AND your pets! Be sure to also check your shoes as well before getting into the car or house – you don’t want to track any ticks inside.
Oh No! I Found a Tick!
Remove the tick immediately! Although you have have done all the right things and took the necessary precautions, sometimes these pesky critters still find a way to latch onto you. The key is to get it off right away! The longer the tick latches onto the body, the higher the risk for disease transmission.
Remember: once you remove the tick, do not throw it away. Put it in a small, sealable bag or container and send it in to get tested at www.tickcheck.com. Contact your healthcare provider to get screened for Lyme disease as soon as possible.
Additional Resources
Check out Bug Bouncer by DesBio
Bug Bouncer is a safe, all-natural homeopathic insect repellent that is taken orally. Harnessing the repelling properties of the Delphenium plant (Staphysagria), it naturally wards off mosquitoes and ticks. Bug Bouncer cleverly mimics the scent of a giant Delphenium flower, deterring bugs effectively. By using 30 minutes before going outside, enjoy 2-3 hours of natural bug repellant properties. Additionally, it provides relief from bug bites by reducing burning, itching, and swelling.
Adults and children 12 years old+ can take 1 to 10 drops under the tongue twice a day, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Consult a physician for use in children under 12 years of age. Since this is a supplement that is only available to our patients, please contact our Supplement Department to verify that you are a patient at our practice and place your order.
Concerned about Lyme Disease?
Our team of integrative practitioners is happy to help you screen for tick-borne illnesses and the best foods and supplements to rebalance your system. You can fill out our symptom survey ahead of your visit. Call our office to find out more: 212-989-9828.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or cure any disease.
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