You downed your second cup of coffee, threw that trusty granola bar in your backpack, laced up your favorite hiking boots and ventured into the woods on a bright, sunny day. The scent of pine fills the air, and the gentle rustling of leaves accompanies your every step. You take a deep, deep breath … ahhhh!!!
Nature has a magical way of captivating our senses. But as you trudge along the trail, you get that weird tingly sensation…the sensation that something is wrong. You look over your shoulder. All clear. Hmm. The feeling still doesn’t go away! You unsling your pack, and only then do you discover some uninvited guests clinging to your clothes. Ticks!
Well, fear not, fellow nature lover, because Best Bee Brothers® is going to show you exactly how to keep these pesky critters from ruining your outdoor adventures. Read on to learn how to stop ticks from hitchhiking!
Avoiding Ticks in the Woods
Now that we've stumbled upon these stealthy travelers, it’s time to send them home! Avoiding ticks begins with a few simple strategies. First, stick to the center of the trail and away from overgrown brush, minimizing your contact with tall grasses and foliage where ticks love to lurk. (Pro Tip: Wearing light-colored clothing makes spotting these critters easier.)
Next up on your tick prevention checklist: Tuck it in! Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your waist. If the weather permits, wear a long-sleeved shirt for an extra layer of protection. As a general rule, you’ll want to stop and check yourself frequently. For more tick-taming tips, check out our post about how to repel ticks in the summer, where we go even MORE in depth with our favorite prevention methods!
How to Repel Ticks While Hiking
As we journey deeper into the wilderness, let's talk about keeping those persistent ticks at bay using a variety of different naturally occurring repellents. (Psst! You don't need to resort to harsh chemicals to stay tick-free!)
One effective approach involves using natural tick repellents like essential oils. Nature's botanicals, such as cedarwood, eucalyptus and citronella, can be your allies in the battle against ticks.
For those who like to hike with their four-legged friends, know that what’s safe for human skin is not necessarily safe for pets. Dogs love the great outdoors just as much as we do, and it’s always a good idea to ensure your pets are protected whenever you decide to go for a stroll in the great wide open. To keep them safe from ticks while hiking, consider applying tick repellents designed especially for dogs. For more information on flea and tick prevention for your furry hiking companion, check out this article here.
But before we get too lost in the woods (see what we did there?) let’s go over some of the many ways Best Bee Brothers can help keep you safe and protected from terrifying ticks, no matter where you are in the wild!
Tick Repellent Body Mist
For those outdoor enthusiasts seeking a convenient and effective tick and mosquito repellent solution, we recommend the Best Bee Brothers® Shake + Shield Insect Repellent Body Mist. This mighty mist is a true hero in the battle against bugs. Crafted with a delightful blend of plant-based essential oils, its natural active ingredients act as a powerful tick and mosquito deterrent that helps to keep you bite-free while hiking.
Our Shake + Shield Insect Repellent Body Mist offers a hassle-free application, ensuring you can quickly and easily protect yourself from not only ticks and mosquitoes but also no-see-ums, gnats, sand flies and black flies! Whether you choose the economical 8 oz size or throw the travel-friendly 2 oz bottle in your pack, you can enjoy long-lasting protection for hours, making it a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Embrace the great outdoors with confidence, knowing you’re shielded by this tick repellent made with essential oils from plants.
After-Hike Care
The hike was exhilarating! And the memories? Everlasting! But tick bite prevention doesn’t end with the trail. Post-hike care is just as vital in ensuring you’ve bid adieu to those pesky hitchhikers. After your outdoor excursion, take a moment to thoroughly check yourself, your companions and any furry friends you brought along with you for any ticks.
They love to hide in those nooks and crannies, so a keen eye and a thorough inspection are your best defense! Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in keeping ticks and the diseases they cause from spoiling the fun. And even if you didn’t work up a sweat, shower within two hours of coming indoors, to wash off any ticks.
Before this expedition through tick territory comes to an end, let’s recap the strategies we've explored. First and foremost, prevention is the key – stay on the trail, wear protective clothing and use tick repellents, like our Shake + Shield Insect Repellent Body Mist. These measures are not only effective but align with our dedication to a more natural, eco-conscious approach. Luckily, with nature as our ally and a sprinkle of prevention, we can venture into the great outdoors, embracing all its beauty, while leaving the ticks far behind. So here’s to your next great hike, a journey that ends just as it started – tick-free.