How to Protect Yourself From Ticks This Spring

Last Updated on March 25, 2022 by Brian Grossman

Protecting yourself from ticks and all the various diseases they carry may be the most important thing you do this turkey and deer season!

If you were to ask southern hunters which critter they most fear encoutering in the deer woods, I would venture to say the majority would answer venomous snakes — or just snakes in general. A few may bring up bears or coyotes, and you may even hear mention of spiders or bees. In reality, though, it is a much smaller, often overlooked arachnid that seems to wreak the most havoc these days. I am referring to ticks.

Growing up, ticks were just something you dealt with. Sure, they were annoying, and the resulting bite would itch and make you uncomfortable for a day or two, but it was nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, times have changed.

Ticks are now known to carry a variety of diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. In recent years, it has even been discovered that some Lone Star ticks can transmit a meat allergy. Imagine no longer being able to enjoy beef, pork, or venison all because a little tick found his way onto your body. Ticks are no joke!

Preventing Tick Bites

The best way to prevent ticks from getting on you is with the use of a permethrin-based tick spray (Amazon link). The video below explains how to use these types of tick spray, as you don’t spray your body down with this stuff as you’re heading out the door like you would do with a DEET-based spray.

From my experience, these sprays are very effective at keeping ticks at bay, and once you’ve sprayed your clothes and boots, they are good for a few weeks — even if you wash them. Check out the video below for all the details, as well as the links above that for the best Amazon deals on permethrin-based sprays (Amazon link).