How to treat clothing after being in the forest for ticks? - briefly
Shake the garments out, wash them in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) with detergent, and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Then examine seams and folds for any remaining ticks and repeat the process if any are detected.
How to treat clothing after being in the forest for ticks? - in detail
After a walk in tick‑infested woods, clothing must be decontaminated promptly to reduce the risk of tick‑borne pathogens. Follow these actions in the order presented.
- Remove all visible ticks from garments using fine‑toothed tweezers. Grip each tick as close to the fabric as possible and pull straight upward to avoid leaving mouthparts behind. Dispose of the insects in sealed containers or by flushing them down the toilet.
- Place the entire outfit in a washing machine set to the hottest temperature the fibers can tolerate (generally 60 °C/140 °F for cotton, polyester blends, and synthetic blends). Add a regular detergent; for added protection, include a small amount of bleach (‑5 % sodium hypochlorite) if the fabric color permits.
- After the wash cycle, tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. High‑temperature drying kills any remaining ticks and eggs that may have survived laundering.
- For items that cannot be machine‑washed or dried, seal them in a plastic bag and expose them to direct sunlight for a minimum of four hours, turning the garments periodically to ensure all surfaces receive heat. Alternatively, use a portable garment steamer set to a temperature exceeding 100 °C (212 °F) and steam all seams and folds.
- Inspect seams, cuffs, and pockets after drying. Use a lint roller or a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to capture any hidden arthropods. Check the interior of shoes and socks with a flashlight, removing any residual insects.
- Apply a permethrin‑based spray to the outer layer of clothing that will be reused in future forest excursions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and drying time. Re‑treat garments after each wash, as the insecticide degrades with laundering.
- Store cleaned clothing in a breathable, sealed container. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture, which could promote mold growth and attract insects.
By executing these procedures, the risk of tick exposure from previously worn garments is minimized, ensuring safe reuse of outdoor apparel.