Summer time is here, this means sunshine, hikes, gardening, camping trips, backyard bonfires… and tiny blood-sucking insects just waiting for a chance to ruin the vibe.
Ticks are officially back in business, and these little buggers are more than just annoying. Tick bites can carry illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Alpha-gal syndrome (the allergy that can make people react to red meat and mammal products).
The good news is, there are actually several simple tricks that people swear by to help keep ticks away. Some are old-school, some are natural, and some are just plain clever. Here are three methods that have been buzzing around lately.
The Duct Tape Pant Leg Trick
One surprisingly simple trick people use during tick season is wrapping duct tape around the bottom of their pant legs, with the sticky side facing outward. Why, you might ask? This is because ticks usually tend to crawl upward from grass and brush, looking for a cozy place to latch on. The tape can stop them before they ever even make it onto your skin.
This method works because ticks “crawl upward” after landing on clothing, making the tape a simple interception point before they reach exposed skin .
This trick works especially well for:
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Hiking
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Gardening
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Mowing
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Frolicking through fields
Another way to help is to pair the tape with light-colored clothing so you can easily spot the ticks.
Food Grade Sulfur: The “Sulfur Sock” Method
Food grade sulfur has been used traditionally in gardening and livestock care, but some people also use it as part of a personal tick prevention routine. One popular method is nicknamed the “sulfur sock treatment.”
The protocol usually goes a little something like this:
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Sprinkle food grade sulfur powder into an old sock
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Tie off the sock
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Pat or dust a small amount onto socks, shoes, pant legs, and around ankles before going outdoors
The idea is that ticks dislike the smell of sulfur and are less likely to latch on.
Important buzz-worthy disclaimer: People should always use caution, avoid inhaling sulfur powder, and keep it away from eyes and mouths, as it can cause irritation to the respiratory tract and to your eyes. It’s also important to make sure the sulfur is specifically labeled food grade.
For people spending lots of time outdoors, especially in heavily populated areas, this old-school trick continues to have a loyal fan club. Although you might end up smelling like rotten eggs at the end of the day, it’s better than coming out of the woods with a ton of blood sucking buddies.
Essential Oils That Ticks Hate
If you’d rather smell like you just came from a spa day then a boiled egg, this may be the method for you
Several essential oils are commonly used in homemade tick repellents because ticks seem to dislike their strong scents. Some of the most commonly recommended oils include:
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Clove
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Lavender
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Peppermint
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Lemongrass
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Geranium
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Eucalyptus
Certain oils, especially geranium oil, help to repel ticks. Cedarwood and eucalyptus are also popular natural options for outdoor sprays and clothing treatments.
Many people mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply it by spraying it onto clothing, shoes, backpacks, or outdoor gear before heading outside.
Bee Smart, Check for Ticks
Ticks may be tiny, but they sure do know how to cause big problems. The good news is these few simple habits can go a long way towards helping prevent bites this summer. Whether you’re rocking duct tape ankle bracelets, dusting sulfur on your boots like an old-time pioneer, or smelling delightfully minty from essential oils, every little layer of protection helps.
And always, after spending time outdoors, remember to do a good tick check. Those sneaky little buggers love warm hiding spots. Of course, long-sleeve shirts, close-toed shoes, and long pants and socks always help with prevention.
Stay safe, stay outdoorsy, and maybe reward yourself afterward with an ice-cold Yes Honey soda. After all, you survived the tick battlefield.
Mena Dutton