Ticks

[Reapward]

Ticks are out. One on Wed. from hiking the Twisp River Trail and 2 in our house yesterday! Worked out in brush and grasses. So be aware.

[Solstice]

Three have shown up in our home after dog walks in brush and sage. Zero tolerance policy here. They must fit into nature's scheme somehow but we just don't abide them indoors.

Early? Right on schedule? Do the conditions this year point to a major influx?

[Reapward]

I wondered the same thing. Probably on schedule. It could be their life cycle and maybe not any greater numbers. Guess I better find out how they operate. I will have to institute what we did in Kansas. Inspections after being outdoors. Daily de ticking of dog. Really smelly, but powered sulphur around socks seemed to help.
I think modern day insects sprays for humans may work even better than sulphur.

[wildramble]

Products with picaridin (safer than Deet, just as effective, non-oily, no need for scent to cover the chemical ingredients) are out by many brands. The lotion packs provide far better coverage and economy than the in-the-wind spray products. Sawyer (REI or Amazon or ... pick yer poison) 14 hour lotion is my go-to choice in the personal sized lotion packs (comes in a bundle).

[k.cool]

This time of year I like to treat a couple of pairs of boots/shoes, pants, socks, and shirts with spray-on Permethrin (Iuse the Sawyer brand). This provides tick and mosquito repellency for 6 weeks or 6 washes, does not stain, and has no odor once dried. You can also spray hats and gear like packs to keep the mosquitos from hovering. It’s really effective stuff! It’s for use on clothes only, not exposed skin.

I also have a few sets of camp clothes that I’ve sent in to the Insect Shield company for permanent repellency using a stronger version of the same product. That costs a lot more upfront, though.

For my exposed skin I also strongly prefer Picaridin (not to be confused with Permethrin) over Deet for all the reasons mentioned above! It’s also much more effective on biting flies than Deet. I like the Naturapel and Sawyer brands.

[Reapward]

Thanks for the repellant suggestions. Deet is so bad, for me anyway.