A ticky question

[frostfire]

Does anybody have any tips on avoiding ticks when out and about? I always seem to get attacked by them, even when I'm totally covered up and if it isn't to warm have my trousers tucked into my socks...
Thanks!

~*~Frostfire~*~

[paul m]

This seems to give comprehensive advice.
DVBID: Avoidance | CDC Lyme Disease

I think the critical element, as you suggest, is not leaving any skin showing on the legs.

[Hobjob]

There has been a long thread running on ticks and Lyme disease
on the sister site, Wild About Britain ....... it'll answer your
questions but in essence cover the skin (tuck trousers
into socks) and use insect repellent - DEET has been shown in
trials to be the best.

Paul has posted an American link - not sure which country
you live in, but if UK, be careful of USA sites; they have various
ticks and various species of Lyme in different parts of the cuntry.
Much more infection and advice therefore varies -- though advice
about avoiding ticks will be the same !!!

Be aware that un-engorged ticks in the nymph stage can be only
1-2 mm long.

[Suzanne B]

Hi Frostfire
I heard something this week that was quite interesting regarding ticks (although I can't for the life of me remember where) and that is the Avon Skin So Soft range. Apparently it works because the product is quite oily and makes it difficult for ticks to attach themselves to you.
I don't know if you get Avon in Holland but it's something to look out for especially as it doesn't contain harmful insecticides.
I don't think there have been any scientific test but might be worth a try and it does smell lovely as well!!
Has anyone else heard this at all?
Suzanne

[paul m]

I work on the same principle - mainly olive oil with a dash of lemon and garlic ...

Originally Posted by Suzanne B

.......... Apparently it works because the product is quite oily and makes it difficult for ticks to attach themselves to you.
I don't know if you get Avon in Holland but it's something to look out for especially as it doesn't contain harmful insecticides.
I don't think there have been any scientific test but might be worth a try and it does smell lovely as well!!
Has anyone else heard this at all?
Suzanne

[frostfire]

Thanks all!
I'll definitly have a look on Wild About Britain, and have a go at what's mentioned to see what works, as just covering up really doesn't seem to be working at all...
We don't have Avon in Holland, but I'll have a look around anyway for another insecticides free oily lotion.

~*~Frostfire~*~

[frostfire]

Originally Posted by Suzanne B

Hi Frostfire
I heard something this week that was quite interesting regarding ticks (although I can't for the life of me remember where) and that is the Avon Skin So Soft range. Apparently it works because the product is quite oily and makes it difficult for ticks to attach themselves to you.

Hi Suzanne,
Thought I'd just let you know that I've put Avon creme on the past couple of times I've gone out and I've stayed tick-free! So it seems to work, and if not on its own then definitely in combination of covering up as much as possible...
So thanks for the tip!

~*~Frostfire~*~

[goosey]

Originally Posted by frostfire

I always seem to get attacked by them, even when I'm totally covered up and if it isn't to warm have my trousers tucked into my socks...
Thanks!

I wonder if its a good year for ticks (or is that a bad year?). Practically everytime I have been in or National Park I have bought the little devils home attached to my skin. Today I was taking photo's of fungi, so was low down on the ground when I saw loads on my hands . They must have jumped(?) on while I was removing the grass from the the area I was to photograph. Luckily I could brush them off very easily today. They are so tiny before they start to gorge on blood.
I had my first tick in February, it was freezing and apart from my face and fingers was totally covered, but one still managed to find the inside of my elbow.

There also seems to be more fleas about than other years (well, there does in our house ) it is a constant battle, hoovering, sellotaping and combing the cat thank goodness we have wooden floors or it would be far worse with carpets.