Ticks are an annoying part of nature walks. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid bites. Using permethrin treated clothing and tucked-in-pants I’ve not had a single tick bite in over a decade, and I’m out in it almost every day. Here’s what works:

Wear long pants and tuck your pants into boots or tuck the bottom of the pants into your socks to form a physical barrier.

Treat your pants, shirts and socks with permethrin once or twice a year.

Wash your clothing infrequently (2-3 times per year) since washing will reduce the effectiveness of the permethrin.

Permethrin can be applied as a spray or by dipping your clothing in permethrin concentrate. Permethrin is the active ingredient and is sold under many brand names. Clothing that’s pre-treated with permethrin is available.

Permethrin Spray
The spray can be found on Amazon and at hardware and outdoor stores. One brand is called “Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent”. Follow the directions on the bottle. Make sure to saturate the clothing until it is wet.

Permethrin Concentrate Soak
Concentrated permethrin can be found on Amazon and at farm supply stores. One brand is called “Control Solutions Permethrin SFR 36.8% permethrin Quart”. One quart will be enough for several years.
1. In a large tub or sink, mix ¼ cup of Permethrin (36.8% concentration) in about 10 gallons of water.
2. Soak pants, shirts and socks until they are saturated with the mix.
3. Pick up the dripping wet clothing and drape them over outdoor furniture to dry.

Safety
Permethrin is a chemical that’s been around since the early 70’s and has been well studied. Tick born illness is a real threat and should be avoided. Permethrin is what is used by the US military for their clothing. Insect repellants that contain DEET are much less effective. I have found that if I wear permethrin treated clothing then I don’t need to use DEET.

Tick Check
Soon after ever walk in the country it’s a good idea to do a “tick check.” That’s best done in a bathroom. Take off all clothing and look everywhere for ticks. If you see one, pinch it with your fingers and toss it into the toilet.