What to do about the ticks! If you're creeped out by wood ticks crawling on you during and after your hike, here are some reminders that will make your hike nearly tick-free. (I said "nearly").
•Wear light pants (not jeans) that are easy to tuck into your socks. (Lightweight hiking pants are great.)
•Remember to tuck your pants into your socks.
•Get some pyrethrin spray at outdoors outfitters and spray it on your ankles (on the pants and socks). It stays with the fabric for awhile, and definitely keeps the little critters at bay. You don’t put this stuff on your skin, just on clothing.
•Wear long-sleeves and a hat.
•Check at home for ticks on your self before they get a chance to bite (they like to scout around for a good spot. It takes them awhile to decide.
You’ll be rewarded with a great hike, few tick problems, and can chuckle at your friends who ignored your advice to tuck in their pants. (Remember, all ticks can make you sick.)