Beware out There -- it's Tick Season

Ticks are showing up on trails--be prepared if you're out hiking. Photo by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The “Things to Love” list from work party in the Blue Mountains was 11 items long. It ranged from a cozy place to sleep to great food. 

The “What Not to Love” list was simpler.

1. Ticks.

Sounds like it’s tick season.

Trip reporters are also reporting ticks beyond the Blues. Chris L. found two ticks – one on himself and one on his dog -- on a trip to Dirty Face Lookout and Peak. Riverdog and shadowdad both report that the ticks are out on the Sauer’s Mountain Trail. Chris found one on his pants at Snoquera Falls Loop on Chinkook Pass. But Peter P Audia wins the dubious award for the most tick encounters. He discovered more than 100 ticks during a trip with his dog to Wheldon Creek. (Are you itching yet? Sorry about that.)

If you’re heading out to hike, it’s best to be prepared for ticks at this time of year.

• Wearing long pants (tucked into socks) and a shirt (tucked into pants) can help deter the ticks.
• Wear light colors so you can more easily spot the ticks. If you want more protection, consider using a chemical repellent, or permethrin-treated clothing.
• Check yourself over carefully after your hike.
• If you hike with dogs, try to keep them out of the vegetation and be sure to check them carefully after your hike.

For a lot more information on ticks, and more tips on how best to keep from getting a bite or how to remove a tick if necessary, check out our detailed article here.