Dress code camping/overlanding/Offroading

I am very scared of getting bitten by a tick and getting lime disease out on the trails, should I wear long sleeves, pants, boots? I mostly wear sandals, shorts, and a tank top, most of my wheeling is in Angeles & San bernardino national forrest and Big Bear, should I be worried? Thoughts, opinions, comments all welcomed, thx

 

Lot's of things to be worried about in CA, but generally Lyme disease ain't one of them.

 

So should i dress like a cowboy or like im going to the beach

 

Let's talk about risk first, then prevention.
Here's the CDC website on Lyme disease (https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/index.html), including a map of cases since 2001. Lyme, and its' carrier ticks, are very common in the northeast, but uncommon in the west. The handful of CA cases have generally presented well north of where you're camping. General consensus is that, once bitten, the infected tick has to be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme.
Based on that, I'd wear what you want and simply check well for ticks every day.

If that doesn't put your mind at ease, minimizing time in long grass, 'dressing like a cowboy' (uncuffed pants preferred), and treating your clothing/tent with premarin will further decrease an already low risk.

 

Highest concentration of DEET that you can get.
Do a full body check every day. They pull right off.

 

Careful if you break it off and part remains in the skin you can get a nasty infection. There are tick removal kits that prevent this

But heck, it isn’t a leech.

 

tetanus shot

 

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/vaccine.html unfortunate

 

you didn't say if you were going with a dog, but if you are, make sure you check them often. An excessive number of ticks on a dog can cause paralysis and death if not caught in time - https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-...erve-disorders-of-dogs/tick-paralysis-in-dogs

 

I go full sleeves, pants, and shoes even in the heat. Critter protection plus sun protection!

 

My buddy had about 4 ticks on him doing a 15mile hike
Just do daily check ups don't touch any branches
I'm also in CA

 

Don't forget about Rattle Snakes

 

When I'm out in the sun I usually wear a light weight long sleeve mostly for sun protection, too many crazy tans on my left arm while I'm pasty on the right.

But shorts and sandals until the terrain dictates better footwear

 

Tactical pants, cargo if you can find them. Stick with earth tones and subdued colors.

Organic cotton T-shirt with outdoorsy theme, bright colors only.

Sunglasses are ideal, must match your truck color unless custom paint. Then, coordinate with your footwear (black or tan only).

 

in west Covina, you should be worried about riots and bed bugs. ticks rarely cause any problem.

 

If you’re worried about ticks, stay out of the woods.

 

OK, I'll take the bait.

"...and treating your clothing/tent with premarin will further decrease an already low risk."

What is premarin?

"About Premarin Premarin (conjugated estrogens) is used to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, low hormone levels or in those who have had their ovaries removed. This drug is slightly less popular than other estrogens."

So, I am more than interested to learn how "treating your clothing/tent with premarin will further decrease an already low risk."

Of course, I am assuming that you are referring to Lyme Disease rather than female hormonal issues.

Curiously yours,

Jim

 

He means permethrin.

 

Thanks. All these years I thought I was reading and pronouncing it wrong.

 

This is the best stuff. Mix it and spray down any clothes and shoes you are going to wear in tick country. I do it priorto any fishing trip. You want a 0.5% concentration.

https://store.doyourownpestcontrol.com/permethrin-sfr-insecticide-qt