How to Prevent Ticks When Hiking

Hiking gives me a sense of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere, but it also comes with hidden risks — and ticks are one of them. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of close calls with these tiny pests. That’s why knowing how to prevent ticks when hiking has become just as important to me as packing water or choosing the right boots. If you’re serious about hiking safely, protecting yourself from ticks needs to be a top priority.

The Growing Threat of Ticks on Hiking Adventures

When I first started hiking, ticks weren’t even on my radar. But after a friend caught Lyme disease from a simple day hike, I quickly realized how real the danger is. Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they can carry illnesses that have long-term health impacts. Whether I’m trekking through dense forests or walking local trails, I always treat every hike as if ticks are present.

Learning how to prevent ticks when hiking helped me feel more confident outdoors. It doesn’t take much effort, but the payoff is huge — fewer bites, fewer worries, and a much safer experience.

Dressing Right: Your First Line of Defense

What you wear can make a huge difference when it comes to avoiding ticks. Over time, I’ve developed a go-to outfit that gives me the best protection.

Cover Everything You Can

I always pick lightweight long sleeves and pants, even when the sun is blazing. Sure, it might be a little warmer, but it’s worth it. I even go the extra mile and tuck my pants into my socks and my shirt into my pants. It looks a bit funny, but trust me, it creates a barrier that ticks can’t easily cross.

Treated Clothing Makes a Huge Difference

One thing I swear by now is using permethrin spray on my gear. I treat my clothes, backpack, and even my shoes every few weeks during peak season. Permethrin doesn’t just repel ticks — it actually kills them on contact. Knowing my gear is tick-resistant lets me relax and enjoy the scenery a lot more.

Being Smart About Where and How You Hike

Knowing how to prevent ticks when hiking also means being smart about the trails you choose and how you move through nature.

Stick to the Middle of the Path

One simple rule I follow is staying in the middle of the trail. I avoid brushing against tall grass, low-hanging branches, and overgrown bushes where ticks love to hide. It’s tempting to wander off the trail for that perfect photo or hidden view, but honestly, it's not worth the risk.

Know Your Seasons and Locations

Ticks are most active during spring and summer, especially in humid areas. If I’m planning a hike during these seasons, I check local tick activity reports and pick routes that are less dense and drier. Dry, open areas are usually less tick-friendly than shaded, moist environments.

Choosing and Applying the Right Tick Repellent

Repellent is one of the easiest and most effective tools in my tick-fighting toolkit.

Don’t Skip the Repellent

Before every hike, I apply a repellent that contains at least 20% DEET on exposed skin. If you prefer natural options, oil of lemon eucalyptus is a good alternative, though I’ve found it needs reapplying more often. Spraying down properly has saved me from countless bites, and it’s become as routine as tying my shoes.

Reapply During Long Hikes

If I'm out for more than a few hours, I always reapply repellent, especially if I've been sweating a lot or wading through dense brush. It might feel like a hassle, but staying protected is absolutely worth a quick pit stop.

Regular Tick Checks: A Non-Negotiable Habit

Even with all these precautions, I always assume that some ticks might still find their way onto me. That’s why tick checks have become second nature.

Check Early and Often

I make it a point to do a full-body check during breaks and again as soon as I get home. I focus on warm, hidden spots like underarms, behind knees, around the waistline, and along the hairline. Ticks are sneaky and love to hide where they’re hard to see.

Showering Right After the Hike

I’ve made it a habit to shower within two hours of getting back from a hike. Not only does it help wash off any ticks that haven’t latched on yet, but it also gives me another chance to find any that might be crawling around. Plus, it feels amazing after a sweaty day on the trails.

Treating and Handling Tick Bites Properly

Despite all my efforts, there have been a few times when a tick still managed to bite me. Acting fast is crucial.

Remove Ticks Correctly

Using a clean pair of fine-tipped tweezers, I grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward steadily. I never twist or jerk the tick — doing so could leave parts behind and cause infection. Once the tick is out, I clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Watch for Symptoms

Even after removing a tick, I stay alert for signs of illness like rashes, fever, or fatigue. If anything seems off, I don’t hesitate to call a doctor. Early treatment can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to prevent ticks when hiking has made my outdoor adventures much safer and more enjoyable. Between dressing smart, using repellents, staying aware of my surroundings, and performing regular tick checks, I feel much better prepared every time I hit the trail. Ticks might be a part of nature, but they don’t have to ruin the experience. With a little planning and a few good habits, we can all keep hiking wild and free — without bringing home any unwanted guests.