Tick Tips: Don’t Let Ticks Ruin Your Montana Adventures

The warmer weather in Montana has been a welcome change. As everything starts to thaw, the grass is getting greener, and we're spending more time outside. But with rising temps and melting snow comes an unwelcome guest—a tiny, blood-sucking arachnid that spreads disease and can be the size of a pepper flake. Yep… we're talking about ticks.

There are a few simple things you can do to keep ticks from latching on—and trust me, it's worth the effort. These nasty little creatures can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other co-infections that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues.

What Can You Do to Prevent Tick Bites?

Know Where Ticks Like to Hide
Ticks can be found almost anywhere outside, but they especially love tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. If you're out hiking or exploring, your best bet is to stay on marked trails and avoid overgrown areas.

Use Permethrin on Gear and Clothing
The CDC recommends using products with at least 0.5% permethrin to treat boots, pants, socks, and camping gear. You can also buy permethrin-treated clothing for extra protection.

Bug Spray Is Your Friend
Use EPA-registered insect repellents that are safe for skin. According to the CDC, the most effective ingredients include:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-Undecanone

Always follow the label instructions, and keep in mind that OLE and PMD products shouldn't be used on children under 3 years old.

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Final Tip
No matter what precautions you take, always do a tick check after spending time outdoors. And DON'T forget to check your pets, too.Let's enjoy everything Montana's outdoors have to offer and do it without tick bites.