I've roamed a few message boards this year and mostly speaking to upstate New York hunters.
Lyme has reached us. I'm one of four hunters that tested positive after last season and I live in a podunk area. I used permethrin. Heavy. I tucked my clothes in and all that. I still got Lyme.
This year I've already found a dozen or so ticks on my boots and my dad had one in his leg. It's bad. We used to have zero. Nothing. Now it's like New Jersey but worse.
So people I beg! 1. Douse clothes in permethrin! Inside pant legs and out! Same with sleeves and collars! Wear baggy clothing you can easily tuck in!
2. Tuck all socks into boots make sure socks are treated too!
3. Have hunting buddy or wife inspect people outer wear for ticks. And have wife or significant other check you.
4. Turn that hot water all the way up and burn the suckers off you.
5. Reapply permethrin every few days. I was applying it weekly it's not enough.
6. Stay safe! Also birds can have ticks on them. Be vigilant while picking. Never know when one will be there.
Sorry if I seem condescending but Lyme took two months or my life away last year and I'm lucky it didn't take more. If you cannot afford to be bed ridden for two months? Take time to keep yourself safe. Trust me you don't want to feel the pain I felt.
Good post, them parasites can cause major issues especially if not treated. Lyme disease is no joke. I was treated for it once but am not sure I really had it. Two weeks of iv anti biotics was certanly no fun. I have only had one on me so far this year. I find that deep woods off keeps them at bay. As stated you should check for them regularly. After a couple hours check agian as by this time they have started to embed and are easy to find. Must find them by 6 hours tho as by then they are puking all kinds of toxins into your blood stream. Not sure why but every tick I find on me after a couple hours is dead. I must be toxic to them.
I heard that the "Tick Tornado Tick Remover" works pretty good.
Just read that a Ticks worst enemy is a possum. Artical stated that they will rid your yard of ticks. Could not find the link I read but here is another link on the virtues of possums. Want more information just google "possums are good."
http://www.caryinstitute.org/discover-ecology/podcasts/why-you-should-brake-opossums
Quote from: mtns2hunt on April 26, 2017, 06:42:50 PM
Just read that a Ticks worst enemy is a possum. Artical stated that they will rid your yard of ticks. Could not find the link I read but here is another link on the virtues of possums. Want more information just google "possums are good."
http://www.caryinstitute.org/discover-ecology/podcasts/why-you-should-brake-opossums
They are also turkey egg eaters. I think I'll keep killing possums and just check myself for ticks.
While my permethrin worked on my hunting clothes, when I changed into some lighter weight shorts and shirt to work in the turkey's fan, I picked up a couple of ticks. You can't be too careful.
permethrin is a great tool in helping to prevent getting ticks and than diseases carried by them but I also use deet on areas of my skin where they may attach.
Lymne disease and related diseases are no fun,I know from experience.
I also hunt in NY (WNY) and have noticed more ticks this year than years' past.
Here is, in my opinion and what others have also stated, the best insect protection to fight off ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, black flies and all those other pesty outdoor-trip ruiners. Team up Permetherin for clothing application and Picaridin for an all purpose/exposed skin application.
Permetherin not only can repel, but will kill ticks, mosquitos, etc. given it's an insecticide. I treat all my outdoor clothing with Permetherin prior to the season, but most importantly, make sure to treat your SOCKS, boots and pants given that ticks will generally always crawl up you. Remember it's only for fabric treatment..don't go spraying your entire body with Permetherin right before you head out!
DEET is known as tried and true but the problem is it's a plasticizer, which can eventually eat away at synthetics and deteriorate some of your expensive gear (not to mention that oh-so-familiar odor). Picaridin has shown to be just as effective as DEET and is #1 rated for Zika virus but is not a plasticizer and has no odor (it's also not greasy like most DEET products).
I use Cabela's Insect Defense Over the Calf Socks which has Permetherin already built into the fabric. It lasts up to 70 washings as opposed to around 7 washings if you treat your socks yourself. It also has 60% merino wool which is the best material for an outdoor performance sock (doesn't itch like regular wool, won't get too hot given they're lightweight, does a great job of wicking away moisture and will literally not smell for days-on-end of no washing because it's naturally anti-microbial). They're a little pricey but well worth it if your looking for a pair of the best socks possible for turkey hunting. I will still always tuck in my entire outfit as a last line of defense.
I've used tons of repellents but this has shown to be the ultimate defense so far! (Btw, both the permetherin and picaridin I use are made by Sawyer)
Some things I will add.....................
In addition to treating EVERYTHING, be careful of unnoticed "hitch hikers.
Decoys, downed birds, driving with the windows down and branches swiping your vehicle, opening the door for nature's call while parked in high weeds, etc., So many ways for one to hitch hike to your vehicle and get you or someones else later. I hate these things with a passion!
:newmascot:
We also wear like 16 inch rubber boots which help tremendously.
I have heard that you can sprinkle borax on the ground and is suppose to take care of ticks after reading I think I will start carrying some and putting on ground where I sit time permitting
Sat in wrong spot this morning. Been there about 20 minutes and felt a tick on my wrist, then one on my face. Turned out I was covered in them. Flicked off about twenty and flushed 5 once i got home. Nasty buggers!
Quote from: mtns2hunt on May 01, 2017, 03:27:08 PM
Sat in wrong spot this morning. Been there about 20 minutes and felt a tick on my wrist, then one on my face. Turned out I was covered in them. Flicked off about twenty and flushed 5 once i got home. Nasty buggers!
That gives me a creepy crawly feeling. Have not found any on me since I started threating my hunting clothes with permethrin and wearing snake boots.
I already got bit by a tick in late February here in northern Illinois. This is the earliest I've ever seen a tick in this part of the country. Probably an indication that this will be a rough year for battling these little critters.
While hunting, I always tuck my trousers into my boots and have had pretty good success keeping them off my bottom half with this method. However, since we spend a lot of time sitting on the ground, keeping them off the top half is a real challenge. Last I knew, Permetherin was considered the best treatment by the military.
My 6 year old came home with one dug into her right above the ear after school yesterday and I've never been more fearful of those little bastards in my life. Theyre BAD here in PA this year
Quote from: compton30 on May 02, 2017, 10:31:02 PM
My 6 year old came home with one dug into her right above the ear after school yesterday and I've never been more fearful of those little bastards in my life. Theyre BAD here in PA this year
Make sure you call the doctor. Nothing to mess around with and a simple antibiotic will help. Don't wait, the earlier the better.
:newmascot:
Quote from: compton30 on May 02, 2017, 10:31:02 PM
My 6 year old came home with one dug into her right above the ear after school yesterday and I've never been more fearful of those little bastards in my life. Theyre BAD here in PA this year
Go see a doc right away. They can treat with antibiotics early on. Both me and my wife have lyme. It's no fun.
As for prevention. Deet works substantially better then all others.
I have done experiment where I took ticks off of me and put into containers with different products. The ticks wandered around on the sawyers soaked paper towel for quit a long time before they became disabled. Then I removed them from the sawyers and in time they began to walk again. In the deet they died very fast and never came back.
I've noticed just the opposite with deet vs permethrin.
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Quote from: compton30 on May 02, 2017, 10:31:02 PM
My 6 year old came home with one dug into her right above the ear after school yesterday and I've never been more fearful of those little bastards in my life. Theyre BAD here in PA this year
Not only Lyme disease but Rocky Mtn spotted fever. My friend's 4yr old son almost died from it. His heart stopped for 30 seconds and they got him back going. I usually stay sick for a couple days after a bite, feels like the flu.
Insect shield will treat your clothes with permethrin. Their treatment lasts through 70 washes.
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One got on me the latter part of last week. I felt the itch but the tick was not attached. Yesterday I went to the doctor as the classic system of the "bullseye" appeared. Now on a med for 14 days. I used the spray by Sawyers but somehow it got through, maybe from an untucked shirt.
I hate these things. I got a suit from elimetick this year. Hope it is as good as I hear.
I'm about to say something. I'm not going to sugar coat it, nor will the folks that disagree with me like the way Im going to say it.
If you think for one damn minute a pretreated piece of clothing you buy or stuff you've sprayed yourself is going to protect you after ONE wash let alone 70, you are about as gullible as they come and I have this pyramid scam you might be interested in. The blase' way some of you guys approach this scares me.
I've had Lyme. I put me in the hospital and then flat on my back for over a month. I have been diligent the last decade to say the least on tick prevention, but I still got got. I missed one-ONE treatment after two soaking rain hunts and I guarantee you that washed enough permethrine out of the fabric to make it ineffective. Treat with 0.5%-1% solution and soak your clothing thoroughly. Deet will repel ticks, but all they'll do is move to a spot you missed and then you're screwed. The OP is DEAD ON. Complacency WILL get you bitten, that I promise. Change somewhere NOT in the house, bag your treated clothes so any ticks still there die the death they deserve and make sure you do a tick check after. I even spray my truck seats. I hang my bird for at least an hour after I get home and believe me!-ibe foumd ticks crawling around on the floor of the garage that dropped off the dead bird. Believe the advertising, do it YOUR WAY, be complacent. Just don't say I didn't tell you...
Probably not a new idea but when I hunt areas I know ticks are bad I have a piece of camo cloth about 3 ft square I soak in permithrin and never wash. Keep it in the vest and throw down before I sit down I also spray my clothes but the ground cloth is a little extra help.
Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 02, 2018, 09:31:08 PM
Probably not a new idea but when I hunt areas I know ticks are bad I have a piece of camo cloth about 3 ft square I soak in permithrin and never wash. Keep it in the vest and throw down before I sit down I also spray my clothes but the ground cloth is a little extra help.
That's a good idea. Just keep it in a ziplock bag. I have a big bolt of heavy cotton camo cloth I'm gonna have to do that with.
I've started to soak my own clothes.
https://sectionhiker.com/permethrin-soak-method-guide/
Great initial post and f/u s. Bottom line is be VIGILENT. Check outerwear and gear thoroughly and always due a disrobe and body check
Repel is your friend for sure.
I have four bites healing now. Three when bush hogging for deer season. Dang it. Protect fellas.
I worry about these mostly on my dog which is why I go spend the extra money on tick shots for her. You have to get them the first shot and then a followup I think it is either 1 month or 3 months later. I worry about anything that can may me sick as I don't have a spleen and get sick very easy which is why I don't visit my friends with kids in the winter and always carry some hand sanitizer with me, have a bottle in each jacket every year. I THINK they have a tick shot and have to find out for sure as I am taking my trapping license course on the 22 and will be handling a lot of dead critters.
I have always had real good luck with Backwoods Off, never gotten a tick before but Permethrin is something I should probably look into but worry as I seem to be allergic to many things.
One would think they would be satisfied to crawl up you and just take a little, but no, the vermin just have to spread bad diseases. It is a turkey hunter's nightmare.
Just as a follow up from turkey season, I treated my clothes myself with permethrin from the co-op and I was bless not to get a single tick on me this year. I did the same last year and my dad and I went on a hike. He got a few on him and I had none. From my experience I'm going to say the treatment works and I did wash my clothes a time or two during the season.
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Made up some homemade brew for ticks used it for spring gobbler no ticks reapplied it for archery season and no ticks yet. :firefighter:
I sent some work clothes of to insect shield and it absolutely works and lasts. I have not retreated anything and I've been pretty much tick free.
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Quote from: mikejd on May 03, 2017, 12:10:30 PM
Quote from: compton30 on May 02, 2017, 10:31:02 PM
My 6 year old came home with one dug into her right above the ear after school yesterday and I've never been more fearful of those little bastards in my life. Theyre BAD here in PA this year
Go see a doc right away. They can treat with antibiotics early on. Both me and my wife have lyme. It's no fun.
As for prevention. Deet works substantially better then all others.
I have done experiment where I took ticks off of me and put into containers with different products. The ticks wandered around on the sawyers soaked paper towel for quit a long time before they became disabled. Then I removed them from the sawyers and in time they began to walk again. In the deet they died very fast and never came back.
DEET is a REPELLENT, not an INSECTICIDE. It will not kill an insect unless that insect is doused with it to where to oils and alcohol soaks it. Permethrin is an INSECTICIDE and also a repellent. It absolutely will kill if present in high enough concentration and will repel as well as long as its present. Please dont go giving out shoddy information like that. You're going to get someone in britten at best and sick at worst.
Quote from: MickT on May 03, 2017, 09:52:00 PM
Insect shield will treat your clothes with permethrin. Their treatment lasts through 70 washes.
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There are absolutely ZERO clothes treatments that will last more than one wash. You're adding chemicals to the fabric, not blending it into the fabric and even then permethrin is only viable for approximately 2 weeks once it hits the air and even less in water and sunlight. Pretty much tick free? You are either completely tick free or you're getting bit. Period.
Mixing your own is cheap and applying is easy. So i apply after every use. May be over kill, but i haven't picked a tick of me here in north florida in years.
I use the sawyer brand permethrin on my gear. Every time I go out, I spray the night before. One of my dogs has been lyme positive for several years, last year our neighbor's young sons got it (farm kids that love to wander). Several years back, I sat in the wrong place and had over a dozen on me...nasty little bastards!
6 min on HIGH heat in the dryer kills them too
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27156138/#:~:text=Placing%20clothing%20directly%20in%20a,%C2%B0F)%20to%20kill%20ticks.
In addition to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Erlichiosis, Lyme, Anaplasmosis and a host of other illnesses that ticks carry, our area is a hot spot for Alpha Gal Syndrome or "tick bite meat allergy". If you are bitten by one of these ticks, you can develop an allergy to red mammalian meat. That means no more beef, venison, rabbit, pork, lamb, etc.. Fortunately, fish and birds are not included. You develop an allergy to a sugar molecule found in the mammalian meat. The allergy can range from simple itching to life threatening. I could not imagine not being able to eat all those meats for the rest of my life.
Good news! Never had any trouble after spraying clothes with Permethrin.
I got Alpha Gal approx. 20-25 years ago, could not eat any mammal meat until about a year ago. It does suck big time, so do be careful. I have used Permethrin liberally for years and not found any ticks on me, I spray my boots and socks too.....I spray everything that goes with me in the woods, and I too have used a camo piece of material to sit on sprayed with Permethrin, sure it helps.
I use permetherin too and also had Lyme and babesi but that's bad info. I'm sure I didn't get ticks when using it. I spray my dogs, turkey clothes, mushroom picking clothes, deer hunt clothes, fishing clothes, etc and have never had a single tick on me one time. Tractor supply as well as others sell a concentrate. It works.
Just noticed this was an old thread
Quote from: Notsoyoungturk on March 03, 2024, 01:05:25 PM
In addition to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Erlichiosis, Lyme, Anaplasmosis and a host of other illnesses that ticks carry, our area is a hot spot for Alpha Gal Syndrome or "tick bite meat allergy". If you are bitten by one of these ticks, you can develop an allergy to red mammalian meat. That means no more beef, venison, rabbit, pork, lamb, etc.. Fortunately, fish and birds are not included. You develop an allergy to a sugar molecule found in the mammalian meat. The allergy can range from simple itching to life threatening. I could not imagine not being able to eat all those meats for the rest of my life.
Good news! Never had any trouble after spraying clothes with Permethrin.
I have alpha gal syndrome, diagnosed for nearly 2 years now. It's not just an allergy to red meat, it's an allergy to ALL things mammal. I had switch medicines, shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents, drinks, spices, toothpaste and everything else that contained mammal. So far like wool clothing and such doesn't bother me, but I've heard of people with alpha gal having that issue as well.