Summer trips, forest walks and time in the garden can have one unpleasant side – ticks. These little parasites not only suck blood, but can also transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis. What can you do to enjoy nature without fear? We bring you 6 simple and proven tips on how to effectively protect yourself.
- Smart clothing choice
The first line of defense is the right clothing. Ticks don’t climb high – they wait in the grass and bushes to get caught on contact. Therefore, wear:
long pants and sleeves,
sturdy shoes with high socks,
light-colored clothing that makes it easy to see ticks.
You can tuck your pants into your socks – it doesn’t look stylish, but it works.
- Use repellents
High-quality repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, icaridin or IR3535 repel ticks reliably. Remember to:
apply to both clothing and exposed parts of the body,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions and repeat the application after a few hours if necessary.
- Duct tape as a secret weapon
It may sound strange, but wrapping duct tape around your ankles – sticky side out – can stop ticks. When they start to crawl on you, they will stick and won’t be able to get away. This trick is especially useful when you’re in tall grass or thickets. - Stick to the beaten track
Ticks are mainly found in damp grass, low bushes and along paths. Therefore:
Don’t go off the road, especially if you are wearing short clothes,
Avoid tall grass and overgrown areas.
- Thorough inspection after returning
As soon as you return home:
Undress and inspect yourself thoroughly – especially under the knees, in the armpits, in the hair, behind the ears and in the groin,
Ticks are usually small and inconspicuous, so take your time to check.
- Showering and washing help
The ideal is:
Take a shower within 2 hours of returning,
Put your clothes in the wash immediately at a higher temperature.
This will help wash off any ticks that have not yet attached themselves.
🐞 Conclusion: Prevention is the greatest strength
Protecting yourself from ticks is not difficult – all it takes is a combination of practical measures and a little consistency. If you follow the advice above, you can enjoy summer fun in nature without stress and danger.
Pin this reminder: Before you go out into nature, wrap your ankles with tape – and ticks are out of luck! 🏞️