Heading out on the trail this season? Ticks are one of the most serious outdoor hazards hikers face across the United States. From Lyme disease to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne illnesses are on the rise — but with the right preparation, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Why Tick Protection Matters
Ticks are most active from spring through fall, thriving in wooded areas, tall grasses, and leaf litter — exactly the terrain hikers love. The CDC reports that cases of tick-borne disease have more than doubled over the past two decades. Prevention is far easier than treatment, which is why building a solid tick protection routine before you hit the trail is essential.
1. Wear the Right Clothing
Your first line of defense is what you wear. Opt for long sleeves and long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to eliminate entry points. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach. Treating your clothing and gear with permethrin-based repellents adds an extra layer of protection that lasts through multiple washes.
2. Apply Tick Repellent
Repellents are non-negotiable for serious hikers. Look for EPA-registered options and apply them to exposed skin before heading out. For a convenient, wearable option, our Tick and Mosquito Repellent Bracelet provides continuous protection without the need to reapply sprays — ideal for long days on the trail.
3. Protect Your Footwear and Entry Points
Ticks often latch on at ground level, crawling up from the grass onto your shoes and ankles. Treating your footwear is a smart move. Our Tea Tree Shoe Spray uses natural tea tree oil to repel ticks and other insects right at the point of entry, keeping your feet and lower legs protected throughout your hike.
4. Use Natural Repellents Around Your Gear
If you're camping overnight or storing gear in tick-prone areas, consider natural deterrents. Cedarwood Tick Repellent Balls are a chemical-free way to keep ticks away from your pack, tent, and equipment. Cedarwood oil is a proven natural tick deterrent that's safe for the whole family.
5. Do a Thorough Tick Check After Every Hike
After returning from the trail, do a full-body tick check — paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, behind the knees, and around the waist. Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off any unattached ticks. Check your gear and pets too.
6. Know What to Do If You're Bitten
If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol. If you experience a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms in the days following a bite, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
7. Treat the Itch If It Happens
Even after a tick is removed, the bite site can remain itchy and irritated. Our Anti Itch Pen and Anti-Itch Soothing Ointment provide fast, targeted relief so you can stay comfortable on and off the trail.
Build Your Tick Protection Kit
The best approach to tick prevention is layered: repellent clothing, wearable protection, treated footwear, and natural deterrents for your gear. Browse our full range of tick repellent products and outdoor protection gear to build a kit that works for your adventures.
Stay safe, stay protected, and enjoy every mile of the trail.
