Prevent Ticks, Poison Ivy, & Mosquitoes
This is a concise 2025 field guide that favors outcomes over folklore. You will see the exact actions and products categories that reduce bites, rashes, and infections, why they work, and when to deploy them.
Authoritative references are included for deeper reading from the CDC and EPA. Use this as a pre-hike checklist and a post-exposure protocol.
The problem
Ticks transmit pathogens, and many “natural hacks” ignore the basics that matter: the right repellent, fabric treatment, heat, showering, and thorough checks.
The solution
Use an EPA-registered skin repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as labeled. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin on fabric only. After outdoor activity, shower within two hours, perform a full-body check, and tumble dry clothing on high heat to kill ticks on fabrics. These steps are CDC-endorsed and measurably lower infection risk. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
How to remove a tick
Use clean fine-tipped tweezers, grasp close to the skin, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist, burn, or coat the tick with substances. Clean the bite site after removal. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Yard and gear tactics
Keep lawn edges trimmed, clear leaf litter, and separate lawn from woods with gravel or woodchip borders; examine pets and packs after outings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Further reading: CDC: Preventing Tick Bites, CDC: Prevent Mosquito & Tick Bites, EPA: Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients.
Poison Ivy
The problem
Urushiol resin from poison ivy, oak, and sumac sticks to skin, clothing, tools, and pet fur. It can persist on surfaces and keep re-exposing you if not removed.
The solution
Before exposure, wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and consider a barrier lotion with bentoquatam; reapply per label. After suspected contact, wash exposed skin promptly with soap and water, launder clothing separately in hot water with detergent, and clean tools. Avoid burning brush that may contain the plants. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Relief if you react
Cool showers and calamine can soothe symptoms; severe reactions warrant medical guidance. Bentoquatam information and proper use are reviewed by Mayo Clinic. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Further reading: CDC/NIOSH: Poisonous Plants, NIOSH Fast Facts: Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac.
Mosquitoes
The problem
Mosquitoes transmit viruses including West Nile in the U.S. and can quickly exploit small water sources around homes.
The solution
Apply an EPA-registered repellent as directed. Wear long, loose clothing and use window and door screens or air conditioning. Avoid peak biting times when possible. Eliminate standing water and consider larvicides for small, permanent water features. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Home and travel notes
Empty and scrub containers that hold water; run outdoor fans where you sit; use bed nets when appropriate. For those avoiding DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are evidence-based alternatives; EPA maintains the full active list. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Further reading: CDC: Preventing Mosquito Bites, CDC: West Nile Prevention, EPA: Using Repellents Safely.