How to get rid of ticks on hiking gear? - briefly
Remove ticks by shaking the gear outdoors, then brush or vacuum all surfaces, and finally wash the items in hot, soapy water or run them through a dryer on high heat. Disinfect the cleaned equipment with a 70 % isopropyl solution and store it in a sealed container until the next use.
How to get rid of ticks on hiking gear? - in detail
Ticks can attach to backpacks, boots, jackets, and other outdoor equipment during treks in wooded areas. Effective removal and prevention require a systematic approach that combines immediate action, thorough cleaning, and long‑term storage practices.
First, conduct a visual inspection as soon as you return from the trail. Use a bright light and a magnifying glass if necessary. Carefully brush the surface of each item, paying special attention to seams, cuffs, and pockets where ticks may hide. If a tick is found attached to fabric, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull straight upward with steady pressure, and place the specimen in a sealed container for proper disposal.
After removal, subject all gear to a high‑temperature wash. For washable items, machine‑wash at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for 30 minutes, using a detergent that contains enzymatic cleaners. Non‑washable equipment, such as leather boots or synthetic backpacks, should be cleaned with a stiff brush and a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a commercial acaricide approved for fabrics. Apply the solution liberally, ensuring it penetrates crevices, then wipe off excess with a clean cloth.
Drying must involve heat. Place washed items in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes, or, for non‑machine‑dryable gear, expose it to direct sunlight for several hours. Heat above 45 °C (113 °F) is lethal to ticks at all life stages.
If chemical treatment is preferred, use a spray containing permethrin (0.5 % concentration) or a similar pyrethroid. Apply evenly, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions, and allow the gear to air‑dry completely before use. Re‑apply after each exposure to tick‑infested environments, typically after every 5–7 washes.
For long‑term storage, keep gear in sealed plastic bags with a desiccant packet to prevent humidity, which can attract arthropods. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Periodically inspect stored items and repeat the cleaning cycle if any ticks are detected.
Summary checklist
- Inspect immediately after each hike.
- Remove attached ticks with tweezers, avoiding crushing.
- Wash washable items at ≥60 °C for 30 min; treat non‑washable gear with alcohol or acaricide.
- Dry using high heat or prolonged sunlight exposure.
- Apply permethrin spray if appropriate; follow re‑application schedule.
- Store in sealed, desiccated containers; re‑inspect periodically.
Following this protocol eliminates existing ticks, reduces the risk of future infestations, and preserves the integrity of hiking equipment.