Ticks can’t fly or jump, but will hold onto leaves along popular trails with their legs outstretched, waiting to climb on to a person or animal—this is called questing
The tick will quickly attach themselves when a person or animal brushes the spot where a tick is waiting. Some ticks will attach quickly and others will wander, looking for places like the ear, or other areas where the skin is thinner.
Dog ticks survive by feeding on people and animals but can live up to two years without a host body.
Ticks found in North America can transmit many diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.
Be sure to check for ticks whenever you go outside.
Protect yourself from ticks
- When hiking, try to walk in the center of the trail and avoid tall grasses. Check yourself and your kids for ticks every few hours. Check your head, ankles, wrists and waistbands.
- Cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants. Pull socks over the cuffs of your pants to prevent ticks from attaching to the skin around your ankles.
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET, which can be effective in repelling ticks.
