What to wear for tick protection? - briefly
Choose light-colored, tightly woven garments that fully cover the body—long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and a hat—and treat them with permethrin or apply a DEET‑based repellent to exposed skin. This combination creates a physical barrier and chemical deterrent against tick attachment.
What to wear for tick protection? - in detail
Wear tightly‑woven, light‑colored garments that allow easy visual inspection. Choose fabrics such as polyester or nylon blends; they resist tick attachment better than loose weaves of cotton or linen. Treat clothing with permethrin or a comparable insect‑repellent spray and reapply according to product instructions.
- Long sleeves that reach the wrist, buttoned or zippered, prevent ticks from crawling onto the arms.
- Trousers with a full cuff or zip‑closed ankles keep the legs covered; avoid shorts unless protective leggings are worn underneath.
- Socks that extend above the ankle, preferably wool or synthetic, reduce the chance of ticks reaching the skin.
- Sturdy, closed‑toe shoes or boots with a snug fit; add gaiters or elastic cuffs at the lower leg for extra barrier.
- A wide‑brim hat equipped with a neck flap shields the head and neck, common attachment points for ticks.
- Gloves made of thick, non‑porous material protect the hands when handling vegetation.
Layering is advisable: a base layer of synthetic fabric that wicks moisture, a middle layer of tightly woven material, and an outer layer pre‑treated with repellent. Ensure all seams, cuffs, and openings are fastened to eliminate gaps. After exposure, promptly remove clothing, shake it vigorously, and place it in a sealed bag before laundering at high temperature to kill any attached ticks. Regularly inspect the body, especially hidden areas such as behind the knees, under the arms, and the scalp.