Ticks Ticks Ticks!!!! They are bad this year!

Vdubguy

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I heard of some chemical that you buy at tractor supply and dilute it down and spray your clothes with it and let it dry. Supposed to last a few time out as long as you don't wash your clothes. Supposed to kill them pretty quick. I also read that you are NOT supposed to spray it on your clothes while you are wearing them, hang them on a line to spray them. This product is not supposed to get on your skin when wet.

I don't recall the name of the product or if it actually works, but I'm sure someone will chime in with a better answer.

HH

Vdubguy
 

CoinandRelicMan

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Yeah I treat my boots every spring with this stuff, Permetherin think it said on the spray can.
 

CMDiamonddawg

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I was just out in the garage this morning, spraying my hiking clothes with Permethrin, as a deterrent against ticks, black flies and mosquitoes bites. Permethrin is the active ingredient on Insect Shield and Buzz-Off clothing. It is an insecticide that kills bugs that land on clothing treated with it, and not simply a repellent like DEET. I used this same strategy last year, in addition to wearing lightly colored long pants and shirts, and it worked quite well. I was also able to avoid applying DEET to my skin, but for a handful of occasions, all year long.
 

Monkworks

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There is a product called Thermacell. Check Youtube for reviews apparently its good for ticks, even though the box doesn't say so and its not cheap because its a unit you put on your belt and it runs a flame on a puck of ~stuff~, produces a smoke, keeps all bugs away ten feet square...
 

sckimbershot

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well, i moved to sc from ct. our inland season starts late sept. this year, i quit early may. we have no issue with ticks. no seeums--deet is like candy for them. mosquitoes--haven't really been to bothered--but bug spray works. another pest--fire ants--don't want to mess with those suckers. we also have our share of snakes--i dug an eastern diamond back out of a den in december--a small one and sluggish--but still has fangs. so-summers in the south are made for beach detecting and cold beer. :)
 

crazy4coins

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+1 for the ticks in Mass. Maybe something to do with the hard winter?
 

releventchair

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Set a friend up with some permethrin spray in the large pump bottle before his group headed to tickville at their property for a week.https://sawyer.com/products/permethrin-premium-insect-repellent/
One person had a tick on them after arriving but had not treated their clothing yet.
There are cautions on it's use.
Keep away from cats when wet,don't huff the fumes,keep from direct contact, allow clothing to thoroughly dry,ect..
Their review of the Sawyer product in comparing to their last trips attempts was very good.
I am by no means pushing their brand, but offering a review of permethrin is all.
 

Cassews

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I will have to let the hubs know about all of these and see what is readily available. I have used the skin so soft for myself for many years when we are out digging (its just not a man's thing according to hubs..LOL) but sure keeps the bugs and no see ums away. Thanks !!!
 

Peyton Manning

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you can cover your body in an inch of axle grease and the ticks cannot get in
the clean up is another thing though
 

DaytonaRacer

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I just got hit today with my 2nd tick in 2 weeks - both in my own yard! Never had an issue before and last fall I repaired a hole in the stockade fencing in the backyard that deer were using to cross through my yard and eat my plants. I also sprayed deer repellent on my plants in the front yard, which is working great. So the tick problem must really be bad this year after all that and I'm still getting bit.
 

G.I.B.

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Screen Shot 2015-05-23 at 6.26.30 PM.png
 

G.I.B.

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Ticks- the quick Metal Detecting snack that goes with you wherever you hunt.

Screen Shot 2015-05-23 at 6.26.51 PM.png
 

finderskeepers

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Tick population is out of control here in MA...though if this dry spell continues, it will have a big effect. Ticks thrive in a pretty narrow band of high humidity.
Contrary to what some may think...the significant snow cover this winter, provided excellent insulation/protection for immature ticks and lots of moiture/humidity as it melted.

Permethrin is definitely the way to go...and clothing soak is very effective. Generally speaking, 2 types are available...spray bottle and liquid "soak".

The soak offers very good protection through at least several washes and the spray is great to hit boots and pant cuffs for some added insurance.

Gaiters are a HUGE help...especially when treated also. No need for the mack daddy top of the line gortex type...cheap stretchy ones marketed to trail runners are fine as long as they close/cover the gap between your boots and pant leg.
 

bfloyd4445

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May 18, 2015
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your right. Out here in ca. i went for a walkin the Dick Fazio wildlife refudge wetlands area and at the end counted at least twenty ticks on me. I brushed them off but when i got home i found several more most teeny tiny but some big ones and not one bite. Chemicals are bad and may give you cancer or some other disease in time so should be avoided. The easy way to protect yourself is to wears boots with long pants with the shirt inside and you should be good to go. Ticks usually only travel a few inches and if they don't come to a hiding spot with flesh they then drop off and climb up another blade of grass to try it again. You don't need to tuck the pants into the boots just wear them over the top and crew socks. If you don't tuck your shirt they may get you around the waist. Most ticks won't make it to your waist before dropping off if you are in grass. Another trick i use which i didnt do today and should have is use walking sticks. I use the sticks to knock any vegitation in front of me that i may brush against before i pass. Shaking the bushes makes the ticks jump and since there is nothing there they end up on the ground instead of you. I'm 68 years old and have been fighting these critters since a kid.
Please no chemicals
I almost forgot. The reason for the crew socks is that if the tick gets to the top of your boot they will often bury into the cotton crew sock and thats were you will find them. Found that out wearing shorts in tick country.
 

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kayakpat

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ticks, gypsy moths cattipillers, stink bugs, spiders getting over run
 

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