Traveling Tick-Free: Real Tips That Actually Work
Traveling is many things—leisurely escapes, bustling city adventures, activity-based excursions, and nature-driven hikes. Over the years, I’ve done my fair share of hiking, and nothing ruins a good trail trek faster than discovering a tick hitching a ride. Ticks are nature’s little freeloaders—annoying, disease-carrying, hard-to-spot bugs that lurk in tall grass, brush, and woods. While eradicating them entirely may sound appealing, they’re an essential part of the food chain. Instead, let me share the most effective tick prevention strategies I’ve discovered through living in the country and hiking extensively. These go beyond “spray and pray” and actually work—including a few surprising options.
Traveling Tick-Free: Why It Matters
Ticks aren’t just itchy nuisances; they pose serious health risks. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses can derail your life for months or even years. So when you’re hiking, especially in tick-heavy regions, prevention is everything. Whether you’re heading out on a national park adventure or exploring backwoods trails, staying tick-free while traveling outdoors should be a priority.
Permethrin Clothing: A Game-Changer for Tick Prevention
One of the absolute best investments I’ve made for tick prevention has been permethrin-treated clothing. And if there’s one standout piece in that category, it’s the socks by Insect Shield. These socks are infused with permethrin—an insect repellent that remains effective even after multiple washes.
Let me tell you, I was skeptical. But after wearing these in high-tick areas where others came back with bites, I returned with none. Zero. They’re comfortable, durable, and more effective than any spray I’ve used. I consider them essential gear when hiking or even working in my backyard. You can check them out here.
Yes, I Wore Pantyhose—And It Worked
Alright, let’s get awkward. I’m a guy, and yes, I wore pantyhose under my pants during tick season. Why? Because ticks have a harder time latching onto smooth, tight-fitting material. And for someone with hairy legs, let me tell you—pantyhose turn into tick kryptonite.
Do I look like I walked out of an 80s music video under my hiking pants? Probably. Did I avoid ticks on several backcountry hikes using this method? Absolutely. If you’re not ready to invest in full permethrin clothing, pantyhose are a weirdly effective budget hack that works especially well when layered under jeans or hiking trousers.
Sprays and Repellents: What Actually Works
Not all sprays are created equal. DEET is the old-school go-to, but I’ve had better luck with picaridin-based sprays. They don’t smell as bad, feel less greasy, and work just as well. The key is to apply it thoroughly and reapply after sweating. For boots, pants, and bags, I use a permethrin spray like Sawyer’s. Treat your gear before a trip and let it dry completely—you’ll thank yourself later.
Pro tip: Spray your socks and lower pant legs especially well. Ticks tend to crawl up from the ground and latch on around the ankles.
Avoiding Tick Zones: Your Easiest Defense
Let’s not overthink it. Sometimes the best prevention is simply steering clear of known tick habitats. Avoid walking through tall grass and stick to clear, well-trodden trails. I’ve also learned to pause and do a quick body check halfway through a hike, not just at the end. It’s easier to remove a tick before it gets settled in.
Post-Hike Routine: Don’t Skip This Step
Even if you think you were careful, ticks are sneaky. When you get home, throw your clothes into a hot dryer for 10-15 minutes before washing. This kills any ticks that might be hiding. Then take a hot shower and do a full-body inspection. Don’t forget places like behind the knees, underarms, waistband, and yes, even the scalp.
Conclusion: Traveling Solo Through Tick Country With Confidence
Whether you’re traveling solo or adventuring with friends, nothing ruins a trip faster than a tick bite. After years of trial and error, I’ve built a toolkit that lets me hike, camp, and explore without constantly swatting at my ankles or panicking at every brush of grass. From high-tech socks to old-school pantyhose, it all works—and now, it can work for you too.
Stay smart, stay safe, and most importantly, keep adventuring tick-free.
