How should clothing be treated for ticks before a forest hike? - briefly
Apply permethrin to all outer garments, wear long‑sleeved, tightly woven shirts and pants tucked into socks, then wash clothing in ≥60 °C water and tumble‑dry on high heat after the hike. Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the body and clothing before departing the forest.
How should clothing be treated for ticks before a forest hike? - in detail
Preparing garments for tick exposure prior to a woodland trek requires a systematic approach that reduces the likelihood of attachment and facilitates removal.
The first stage involves cleaning. All items intended for the walk should be laundered at a temperature of at least 60 °C (140 °F). High‑temperature washing eliminates eggs and larvae that may be present on fabric. After washing, dry the clothing in a dryer on a high‑heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; heat destroys any residual organisms.
The second stage consists of applying a repellent. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is the standard for treating textiles. Follow these steps:
- Choose a commercially available permethrin spray labeled for clothing use.
- Apply the product in a well‑ventilated area, maintaining the distance recommended on the label (typically 15–30 cm).
- Spray evenly until the fabric is damp but not saturated; excess liquid should be avoided to prevent staining.
- Allow the clothing to air‑dry completely, usually 2–4 hours, before storage or use.
The third stage addresses garment selection. Opt for tightly woven fabrics such as denim, polyester blends, or heavyweight synthetics that impede tick movement. Wear long sleeves and long trousers, tucking pant legs into socks or gaiters. Light‑colored clothing aids visual inspection.
The final stage occurs after the hike. Conduct a thorough body and clothing inspection within 24 hours. Remove any attached ticks with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward. Immediately launder all worn garments again at 60 °C, followed by high‑heat drying, to eliminate any unattached ticks.
Consistent execution of cleaning, chemical treatment, appropriate fabric choice, and post‑hike inspection creates a comprehensive barrier against tick bites during forest excursions.