What should be worn to protect against ticks? - briefly
Wear tightly woven, light‑colored long sleeves and long pants, tucking the pant legs into socks or boots, and treat the garments with permethrin or another approved insect repellent. This combination creates a physical barrier and chemical deterrent that minimizes tick attachment.
What should be worn to protect against ticks? - in detail
Wear lightweight, tightly woven fabrics that prevent tick attachment. Long sleeves and full-length trousers are essential; the fabric should be dense enough that a tick cannot easily crawl through the weave. Tuck the pant legs into socks or boots to eliminate gaps where ticks could enter.
Select light-colored clothing. Bright hues make it easier to spot ticks before they attach, enabling prompt removal. Avoid loose, flowing garments that create folds and concealment zones.
Treat garments with an approved repellent containing permethrin (0.5 % concentration). Apply according to manufacturer instructions, allow the fabric to dry completely, and re‑apply after washing. Permethrin remains effective through multiple launderings, providing sustained protection.
Consider the following protective gear:
- Tight‑fit shirts: long sleeves, cuffed at the wrist.
- Full‑length pants: leg openings secured under footwear.
- High‑ankle boots or shoes: closed to the ankle, preferably with laces.
- Socks: thick, covering the entire foot, tucked into boots.
- Gloves: lightweight, covering the wrists when handling vegetation.
- Hat with a brim: reduces tick migration onto the face and neck.
When entering tall grass or wooded areas, perform a quick visual inspection of clothing before and after exposure. Remove any attached ticks promptly with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward. Maintaining this clothing protocol minimizes the likelihood of tick bites and the diseases they may transmit.