Up until this past spring the only ticks I'd seen were a few on deer here and there. I picked a couple off myself during the spring season last year and that seemed to open the floodgates. I lost track of how many I found on myself over the summer and into last fall. Two of them burrowed in and had to be cut out. Seemed like I couldn't walk out the door without picking a couple up. Bugs don't bother me, but from what I read the little suckers can carry some nasty stuff, including Lyme disease. Do you guys have many where you are? I'm in central NY by the way.
Bob
The last few years have been bad here in Northwest PA. I started using permethrin and haven't had one on me since.
Ticks are bad here in West KY. From early spring until frost I can not walk in grass or leaves without spraying around my ankles.
We've been dealing with ticks in Wisconsin for many, many, years. And, yes, they commonly transmit Lyme's disease. Our group uses permanone spray (on our clothes, not the skin) religiously. One treatment is good for a week. It is very effective. We also make sure our pant legs are either tucked into the boots or our socks. We did not have a major tick problem until our deer herd exploded in the late eighties. They are no laughing matter. They become active early, too.
I am also in central NY and have the same experience as you. Their numbers have really grown in the last few years. It's now standard practice to thoroughly check oneself after being outdoors. I worry about my kids the most, they are getting too old to be checked over by their parents.
Missouri they are thick. i know 4 people who have had lyme disease.
Tons in medical bills , jobs were lost, homes etc.
Ready to do brain surgery for tumors on one guy when one doc out of a group of doctors asked if anyone has tested for lyme disease? This after 2 years of having it.
Another young lady lost her job after being gone for over a year until it was figured out.
Lots of doctors don't seem to check for it
Don"t mess with this guys and gals.
permanone those clothes , gear , boots, inside your truck, blinds etc.
You can mix your own up, thread on here somewhere.
And keep an eye out for a red circle area around a bite you do get.
If you walk through the woods in SC from April to November unless you wear specific clothing and or insect repellent, look every 3 mm on your body, they are with you.
first sticky on turkey hunting tips. strategies and methods , mix your own..
:z-winnersmiley:
Yep they are bad here also.
I will not go into the MO spring woods without a permethrin treatment to all my gear.
N.J. they've been bad for years...I know a number of people who have had lymes. One guy had all sorts of procedures to later find out that he had lymes. He walks with a cane now.
Permethrin is phenomenal stuff. Lasts about 5 weeks and 5 washings. I don't go in the woods without it! DO NOT SPRAY ON SKIN and let clothes dry before wearing...
Keep in mind that pets can bring 'em into the house so keep an eye on them and keep them protected also (flea and tick treatment). Pets can't tell you that they hurt. Better to be proactive with them also...
If you get light or hearing sensitivity, head aches, vision problems, achy joints, unexplained rashes, stiffness or fever, suspect lymes and get tested (more than once if symptoms persist). It's a nasty disease with enormous consequences so be proactive...
I guess I never really took them seriously until started to see them myself and read some of the horror stories. I found one one my hip that had really taken hold. The area around the tick was all purple looking and swollen, so with what I'd read about them in mind I went to the Dr's and got some antibiotics. He said it appeared to have been there a while so he ordered blood work too. I had blood tests twice and they came back negative, so I guess I was lucky. From what I read, Lyme disease is only one of several diseases they can carry and the others don't sound like much fun either.
Like I said I'm not afraid of bugs, but It's sure something to keep in mind. Seems like every time I'm working a bird and don't dare move, something crawls up a sleeve or down my neck. I didn't used to let it bother me, now I always wonder if It's a tick.
Bob
I forgot to spray my hunting clothes with Permethrin before a KS/OK trip a few years ago. I got over two dozen bites. Some in places you REALLY don't want a tick!
I will not forget to spray my clothes and boots ever again. Permethrin really works.
Quote from: owlhoot on February 27, 2016, 09:58:07 AM
first sticky on turkey hunting tips. strategies and methods , mix your own..
:z-winnersmiley:
I did see that owlhoot, thank you. :icon_thumright: I still have some that I bought last year, but when it gets low I'll mix up some of my own.
Bob
Tail Feathers, I can only imagine. I cut one out of the underside of my wrist last fall and I have no desire to have to do the same "in places you really don't want a tick." ::)
Bob
What brand of Pemethrin do you buy and where from?
Last year I just used regular bug spray like "off" and I'd didn't do much.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 27, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
What brand of Pemethrin do you buy and where from?
Last year I just used regular bug spray like "off" and I'd didn't do much.
I use Sawyer's. They have it in the camping section at Walmart.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 27, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
What brand of Pemethrin do you buy and where from?
Last year I just used regular bug spray like "off" and I'd didn't do much.
DEET based products are not effective for ticks. Got to use permethrin based treatments like Sawyers, or mix your own solution.
Also don't forget - tuck your pants cuffs into your boots before you tie them up, and tuck your shirt into your pants. Keeps them out of the sensitive areas!
drink vinegar daily
Here in Eastern NC we hunt pine plantations and we definitely have ticks. I hunted central Wisconsin last spring and they have them even worse then we do. With permethrin, no problems at all. In Wisconsin, my hunting buddy was covered but I didn't have a one and we set side by side for 4 days. I mix my own by taking 1 oz of a 10% solution and mixing it with 20 ozs of water. Spray your vest, seat, hat, mask, gloves, all clothing, including boots and let dry. Repeat as needed. You can get 10% permethrin on the internet or go to any farm supply that sells dog food and supplies and they should have it.
Good tips on the permethrin, I went out and bought some today. Last year I would have so many ticks on me they would get off in the car and it was not uncommon to see them walking around the dash/steering wheel... little bastards. Them along with Ants, mosquitos, gnats I think god could have done without putting here on earth.
Mid Tn ticks are everywhere. You have to use a spray or you will have several ticks if you spend time in the woods. One of my worst Experiances was I stepped in a nest of seed ticks. Wife spent over an our with tweezers and I had hundreds of bites for nearly a month. Bad deal right there. I was bank fishing when u had that experiance.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I never saw one in 48 years on the planet & then 3 years ago they started turning up everywhere here in Michigan.
That first summer we picked up dozens on our cloths while out scouting with my 2 kids. A few weeks later I was feeling something crawling on my body in bed at night. I woke up several times freaking out & my wife was like "what the hell is wrong with you?!!" I was getting bites under my arms, that nastiest bites I've ever had. I thought it was nasty spider! Anyways, I finally woke up with something crawling on my leg & I happened to catch him in the dark with my finger and thumb, went to the bathroom to find it was a Tick. HUGE sucker!
I put him in a ziplock bag & went to the Dr the next morning. ALL the Drs staff was all very interested to see him! I've got MS bad, so I can't fool around with Lime Disease, as my nervous system is already falling apart. So, I was put on 1 months dose of Anti Biotics.
I have since stopped scouting in the warmer months, as I can't take that chance. However, I belive I picked up another while working in the yard last summer. He was inbedded into my skull this time! Grabbed him, not thinking about Ticks & pulled it/him out with a good sized chunk of my skull! BACK onto Anti Biotics again, as my Dr said it just wasn't worth the risk with my MS.
All the warm weather in winters has allowed them to flourish. SWEET!
I've used Sawyers for the last 3 spring turkey seasons and haven't found a single tick on me. I spray it on all of my hunting clothes, boots, gloves, hats, and vest. I highly recommend it.
I used to not take tick prevention seriously and got Rocky Mt spotted fever about 5 years ago. Not good, 104 temp and nasty body aches for awhile in May after season. Now I do the permithrin and soak clothes then dry. Serious stuff!
Down here in Mississippi we have always had that problem. Spray my clothes with Sawyers perethian repellant. If you don't, I guarantee you they will be on you and in some very unwanted places lol.
I don't wear OFF, or anything with DEET, or use permethrin because of the likely effects on my body and nervous system. Unfortunately for me, I'm very sensitive to those types of things. Some humans aren't, lucky them! My MS is so bad, I get sick almost instantly, headaches, shaking, and twitching if I come in contact with DEET anymore...I haven't used DEET in so long that Mosquitoe bites don't bother me much anymore, just about zero inching. BUT THOSE Ticks are nasty!
I wear my head nets and body netting while I'm fishing.
Quote from: Rio Fan on February 27, 2016, 07:55:15 PM
I've used Sawyers for the last 3 spring turkey seasons and haven't found a single tick on me. I spray it on all of my hunting clothes, boots, gloves, hats, and vest. I highly recommend it.
Quote from: southern_leo on February 27, 2016, 04:19:20 PM
Mid Tn ticks are everywhere. You have to use a spray or you will have several ticks if you spend time in the woods. One of my worst Experiances was I stepped in a nest of seed ticks. Wife spent over an our with tweezers and I had hundreds of bites for nearly a month. Bad deal right there. I was bank fishing when u had that experiance.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Those seed ticks drive me nuts. Ticks seem to be patchy here in Fl but I hunted an area this fall that was nothing but a breeding ground for them. I scouted the place the first time with out treated clothes and I lost count of the seed ticks I picked off. These things were like grains on pepper and found places to get where the sun don't shine if you know what I mean. Even with sawyers I got a few on my neck and hands but nothing like the first time. I swear by Sawyers.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 27, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
What brand of Pemethrin do you buy and where from?
Last year I just used regular bug spray like "off" and I'd didn't do much.
This is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Martins-Permethrin-10%25-32oz-Quart/dp/B00061MSS0/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1456633208&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Martin%27s+Permethrin+10%25
I mix 1oz of concentrate to 19oz of water. You can use it as a spray or as a soak. I prefer the soak method. Mix up the concentrate, roll up your clothes and put them in a big ziplock bag(2gallon or bigger). Pour the mixed solution into the bag and let them soak for a couple of hours. Then just hang them up to dry. I always mix up a double batch, just make sure all the clothes were completely treated.
Just a word of caution to anybody using permethrin that has cats.
Permethrin is HIGHLY toxic to cats!! Be very careful with the mixed solution around your pets.I believe, but I'm not 100% sure, that once it is dry it is safe for cats...you will have to decide that for yourself.
Not going to lie, this stuff sounds sketchy!
I am reading the directions and warning labels on this stuff I picked up today. It says to spray the outside of the clothing only and if you get it on your skin rinse immediately and contact poison control centers....
What the hell happens if you sweat? Am I going to crap my pants and piss myself or something?
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 28, 2016, 12:42:53 AM
Not going to lie, this stuff sounds sketchy!
I am reading the directions and warning labels on this stuff I picked up today. It says to spray the outside of the clothing only and if you get it on your skin rinse immediately and contact poison control centers....
What the hell happens if you sweat? Am I going to crap my pants and piss myself or something?
I only spray the outside of my clothing and gear and let dry. When you mix it with water the 10% concentrate solution becomes 1/2 of 1%. Personally I would rather use this, than take my chances with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme disease, very debilitating. Ticks aren't something you want to mess with.
Yep, unless it is causing you problems like some have mentioned, the risks are worth it imo.
I spray all my outer layer clothing a week before season and let them air dry thoroughly. They last me a full season and I haven't had any issues. Been doing that going on 6 years and have been tick free since.
With little to no snow in central NY this winter I think it's going to be a bad tick year this spring season. I started spraying all my hunting clothes a few years ago after I found a tick stuck to my leg and check myself well after every hunt.
Just wanted to elaborate a little more on permethrin. Permethrin is used by the medical profession for the treatment of lice and scabies. Lice at 1% and Scabies at 5% in a paste. Also dogs are dipped in a .5 to 1% solution to kill fleas and protect against ticks. I'm not saying you should take a bath in the stuff but a .5% solution sprayed on the outside of your clothes to keep ticks off and protect against lyme and rocky mountain spotted fever, seems to be fair IMO. Use it or not to use it, is your decision.
Quote from: captpete on February 27, 2016, 11:36:35 PM
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 27, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
What brand of Pemethrin do you buy and where from?
Last year I just used regular bug spray like "off" and I'd didn't do much.
This is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Martins-Permethrin-10%25-32oz-Quart/dp/B00061MSS0/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1456633208&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Martin%27s+Permethrin+10%25
I mix 1oz of concentrate to 19oz of water. You can use it as a spray or as a soak. I prefer the soak method. Mix up the concentrate, roll up your clothes and put them in a big ziplock bag(2gallon or bigger). Pour the mixed solution into the bag and let them soak for a couple of hours. Then just hang them up to dry. I always mix up a double batch, just make sure all the clothes were completely treated.
Just a word of caution to anybody using permethrin that has cats. Permethrin is HIGHLY toxic to cats!! Be very careful with the mixed solution around your pets.I believe, but I'm not 100% sure, that once it is dry it is safe for cats...you will have to decide that for yourself.
I didn't know that about permethrin and cats, thanks for the heads up. :icon_thumright:
Bob
I live in Columbia County NY, just south of Albany and the ticks have been horrible for years. Lyme disease is wicked in my county as well. I have hunted all my life and have honestly had more ticks on me then I can remember. I actually thought Lyme was a joke until I got it last May while turkey hunting. It was so bad that my wife and doctor thought I was having a heart attack, so did I. It ended up being bad case of Lyme.
Quote from: Dearhunter3450 on February 28, 2016, 03:32:50 PM
I live in Columbia County NY, just south of Albany and the ticks have been horrible for years. Lyme disease is wicked in my county as well. I have hunted all my life and have honestly had more ticks on me then I can remember. I actually thought Lyme was a joke until I got it last May while turkey hunting. It was so bad that my wife and doctor thought I was having a heart attack, so did I. It ended up being bad case of Lyme.
Deerhunter, can you share with all of us what your symptoms were and how long did you have those symptoms with Lyme? I understand it is very painful at your joints.
My symptoms came about two weeks after the tick bite. I was working three double shifts in a row and just didn't feel right I figured it was just from exhaustion. The last shift before My day off I had a call and I was standing in the street listening to some nonsense and I started pouring with sweat and I felt weak, once again figured I was just tired. Got home and slept for four hours, I woke and my left arm, especially my hand was numb. I went from super hot to freezing cold to the point I was holding a heating pad while in a sleeping bag and still shaking so badly I was sore from it. The next day I was at my doctors office and I am a guy who hates going there. I had the round bullseye around the bite that I had failed to notice because I forgot about the tick. Like I said I had been bitten for as long as I have hunted and actually believed I would never get Lyme Be careful guys, it's no joke.
An experience I thought might be helpful to add...Had a g-friend whose daughter had contracted lymes and had been misdiagnosed. She eventually started hearing voices, had excruciating headaches and a number of other symptoms. She ended up with fibromyalgia, eye sight problems and recurring headaches (migraine).
She had a lymes specific lab check her blood because drs. had missed it so many times. I saw the readout. She had diseases that dogs get. I can't recall which ones specifically but they were startling (something like parvo). I never knew that was possible but I saw the readout with my own eyes! Best to keep those critters off of you and if you have odd symptoms that don't resolve, keep after your doctor and contact a local lymes support group for info. on lymes specific labs. It's not uncommon to come up neg. and still be pos.
Best thing is, is to keep 'em off of you!!!
Advice: Get your clothes permanently treated w/ Permethrin and don't look back. You can send your clothes to a little company in Greensboro, NC, and they will treat them and send back to you at relatively cheap cost. It's around $8/garment + shipping back if you send 3 or more pieces, and it is supposed to work through the life of the garment (70 washings). This is the same company that GameHide uses to treat their clothes before selling $70 a pop, so it's much cheaper this way. Also, they treat clothes for US military which is a solid endorsement as well. I sent 5 pieces last year and had them back on my doorstep within the week. I am in Raleigh, so it may be a little longer if you live further away. I called them and they walked me through process, and were super nice to boot. I am confident in them and haven't found the first tick on me since treating my clothes. It's also a lot easier (and much cheaper in long run) than re-applying Sawyers every few hunts.
https://www.insectshield.com/PDF/IS%20Your%20Own%20Clothes%20-%20U.S.%20form.pdf (https://www.insectshield.com/PDF/IS%20Your%20Own%20Clothes%20-%20U.S.%20form.pdf)
Btw- long time site reader, first time poster. And love the site!
You need to be careful using all those scented chemicals on ticks.
At worst, the tukeys will smell you, and at best, the chemicals will interfere with the effectiveness of you "Hen In Heat" concoctions. ;D
Just smear on some of that petuelly or whatever that cologne is. The hippie turkeys will come running. There not nearly as observant as regular turkeys.
I'm just glad the mosquitoes haven't taught the ticks & chiggers to fly yet!
We have tons of chiggers (some call 'em red bugs), lots of ticks, and too many mosquitoes. Between Permethrin and a ThermaCell, I've pretty much got a force field around me when I'm in the turkey woods. We had snow a couple weeks ago and the ticks and 'skeeters are already out. We never used to have the little seed ticks until about 10-12 years ago. Now, they're everywhere.
I use that Duration concentrate from Traveler's Supply through Amazon. I use it on my work clothes & hunting camo. It rocks. I haven't had a single tick or chigger bite in the 3 years I've been using it and I bust some serious brush.
A couple friends of mine contracted Erlichiosis from ticks that made them very sick and really slowed them down for a few weeks. There is also an allergy that can be contracted from a Lone Star Tick called Alpha-gal, which makes the victim allergic to eating red meat. Hours after the red meat is consumed, the victim will go into anaphylactic shock. That allergy becomes permanent and never goes away to my knowledge. Think about that one for a minute... You can just forget about enjoying a nice juicy steak, prime venison tenderloin, burgers at a cook out, or anything else like it as long as you live. I know 4 people who can no longer enjoy ANY red meat, all because of a tick bite. Between Lyme, Erlichia, and Alpha-gal, it is crazy to go into the woods without maximum protection.
Jim
Hate chiggers! Have had two bad run- ins with them. Looked like I had chicken pox all over my legs. Felt like it also.
Quote from: captpete on February 27, 2016, 11:36:35 PM
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 27, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
What brand of Pemethrin do you buy and where from?
Last year I just used regular bug spray like "off" and I'd didn't do much.
This is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Martins-Permethrin-10%25-32oz-Quart/dp/B00061MSS0/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1456633208&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Martin%27s+Permethrin+10%25
I mix 1oz of concentrate to 19oz of water. You can use it as a spray or as a soak. I prefer the soak method. Mix up the concentrate, roll up your clothes and put them in a big ziplock bag(2gallon or bigger). Pour the mixed solution into the bag and let them soak for a couple of hours. Then just hang them up to dry. I always mix up a double batch, just make sure all the clothes were completely treated.
Just a word of caution to anybody using permethrin that has cats. Permethrin is HIGHLY toxic to cats!! Be very careful with the mixed solution around your pets.I believe, but I'm not 100% sure, that once it is dry it is safe for cats...you will have to decide that for yourself.
Glad to know its toxic for cats. Guess I'll have to keep some on hand at all times. Lol
Quote from: spurman on February 27, 2016, 09:29:56 AM
Ticks are bad here in West KY. From early spring until frost I can not walk in grass or leaves without spraying around my ankles.
My in-laws live there too. Last spring I hunted there and literally had hundreds of tiny little ones on me in one week. I use Sawyers Tick Spray on my clothes now
I get a few ticks... Something about them is unsettling.
Anyone know if the permethrin spray works on red ants? They are my worst problem as far as critters while turkey hunting. Sitting against a tree with a bird coming in, and suddenly start getting assaulted by them things can make it difficult to sit still...
Quote from: Marc on March 01, 2016, 10:22:34 PM
I get a few ticks... Something about them is unsettling.
Anyone know if the permethrin spray works on red ants? They are my worst problem as far as critters while turkey hunting. Sitting against a tree with a bird coming in, and suddenly start getting assaulted by them things can make it difficult to sit still...
My permethrin bottle in the garage says it will kill ants. I would say you would have to spray it on them. If it is dry on your clothing, it probably won't. Red ants, as your aware, are very aggressive and if they attack you, in force, on the ground, your probably at their mercy with the dry permethrin.
Quote from: Treerooster on February 27, 2016, 11:12:52 AM
Yes been real familiar with ticks for many years, mostly from Wis. Got birdsl dogs I hunt with up there.
Ticks are in Colo too, usually only in the spring and in the river bottoms. Nebraska is the same, at least where I have hunted it.
The permethrin spray on clothes does work but from what I read and IME 3 weeks is about what it lasts. You can mix your own or buy it at a sporting goods store. Sawyer's is one brand.
Ticks seem to cycle somewhat although I don't really know what drives it. They do prefer moisture which is why we only see bunches in the spring out west here.
Just remember nothing is 100% and you still need to check for ticks at the end of every day/hunt.
x2 for the permethrin. Started using it two seasons ago and I haven't found a tick on me since. Sawyers is a great option, Repel also makes permethrin in an aerosol can. I'd pay double if I had to.
Anyone ever use a tick key to remove ticks. I saw it used on TV and it was pretty slick for humans and animals.
What i do is take a pump up sprayer mix with permethrin and spray my turkey blinds a few days before season opens to help with keeps ticks off me.. i do this every year and i have no problem with ticks..i just use the Deet around my boot's and legs..
You know its turkey season when you are sitting in a staff conference...suit and tie...and a big ole lone star tick comes crawling up your face...only to look to your right to see a co-worker with a combo horror/blank/wordless stare
Quote from: tha bugman on March 02, 2016, 11:03:56 AM
You know its turkey season when you are sitting in a staff conference...suit and tie...and a big ole lone star tick comes crawling up your face...only to look to your right to see a co-worker with a combo horror/blank/wordless stare
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: This happened to me once only it was during a 1 on 1 with my boss and it was on my neck. She just about had a heart attack....
Quote from: zombiewoof on February 29, 2016, 04:05:59 PM
Advice: Get your clothes permanently treated w/ Permethrin and don't look back. You can send your clothes to a little company in Greensboro, NC, and they will treat them and send back to you at relatively cheap cost. It's around $8/garment + shipping back if you send 3 or more pieces, and it is supposed to work through the life of the garment (70 washings). This is the same company that GameHide uses to treat their clothes before selling $70 a pop, so it's much cheaper this way. Also, they treat clothes for US military which is a solid endorsement as well. I sent 5 pieces last year and had them back on my doorstep within the week. I am in Raleigh, so it may be a little longer if you live further away. I called them and they walked me through process, and were super nice to boot. I am confident in them and haven't found the first tick on me since treating my clothes. It's also a lot easier (and much cheaper in long run) than re-applying Sawyers every few hunts.
https://www.insectshield.com/PDF/IS%20Your%20Own%20Clothes%20-%20U.S.%20form.pdf (https://www.insectshield.com/PDF/IS%20Your%20Own%20Clothes%20-%20U.S.%20form.pdf)
Btw- long time site reader, first time poster. And love the site!
Awesome! Thanks for posting this. I will definitely send some clothes over to them.
I use the Permethrin quart from Amazon, it's a 36.8% concentrate. One part concentrate mixed with 72 parts water dilutes to .5%, thus equates to the spray cans e.g. Sawyers. I've been doing this for several years and just had to buy another quart this year. I hang all my clothes, including head nets, gloves and hats, on the line and wet thoroughly with my tank sprayer. Let dry and you're all set.
The container has a handy booklet attached which tells you what concentration to use for just about any crawling insect in existence. Plus it gives you the formula for any dilution percentage.
Last Spring Gobbler and this past Fall Deer season were horrible with ticks in southern NY. I have noticed over the years that the ticks are bad following wet seasons. Is it coincidence? Who knows?