Health & Fitness
Preventing Tick Bites / Lyme Disease
The arrival of spring/summer introduces tick season. DEET does not kill or disable ticks and is a poor repellent. Permethrin, applied to clothing only, is extremely effective in killing ticks
The arrival of spring/summer introduces a hazard that we all need to be aware of....ticks. New England has one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the country. The peak season for Lyme disease is late spring through summer.
Unfortunately, DEET, common in bug sprays applied to the skin, does not kill or disable ticks and is a poor repellent for ticks. Planning ahead and taking some simple precautions before engaging in outdoor activities can help avoid a tick related illness.
Our clothing is our first line of defense.
Permethrin, which is applied to clothing only, works instantly and is extremely effective in killing ticks. Permethrin was developed to simulate the natural chemical pyrethrum that protects plants from insect attack. It will kill insects and deer ticks.
Permethrin is to be used on clothing only and treated clothing can be worn when fully dry. One treatment lasts 2-6 weeks; items can be washed between treatments. Follow all label directions carefully. Do not use Permethrin on your skin. Permethrin products are available in stores that sell outdoor gear and is marketed under different product names. CVS sells a Lice Treatment spray that contains Permethrin as well. You can also find Permethrin sprays online.
Suggested clothing items to spray every few weeks:
- Socks
- Shoes
- Sneakers
- Pants
- Sleeves
- Gloves
- Hat
- Practice Uniforms
After returning indoors...
Deer ticks like cool, moist environments, such as leaf litter, grass, tall grass around the edge of yards, wooded areas, or roadsides. Ticks are present in short grass.
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Even with clothing sprayed, it’s always good to be on the lookout for ticks. Perform a careful tick check after returning indoors. Deer ticks are tiny and difficult to see. After clothes are worn outdoors, wash them in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any ticks you may have missed.
2011 was a very wet year in Connecticut (record rainfall), and we finished a very warm winter; both situations can lead to a very active tick season.
Taking a few minutes to spray your clothing can help reduce the risk of a tick bite therefore reducing your risk of contracting Lyme Disease and other tick borne illnesses.
