Checking yourself for ticks when alone?

[Doug Coe]

I usually backpack solo. I’ve thought about going (back) to Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur, but am a bit apprehensive due to the tick situation.

How do you check your back when you go solo? And how do you reach all areas with a tick tweezer if you find one on your back?

[MJ H]

If you can smear it with peanut butter, a raccoon will eat it from your back.

[Bruce Tolley]

I just check twice a day, sometimes three times day. For my back, I just twist and turn, feel with my hands. and use my signalling mirror. Of course, the goal is first to avoid having them land on you (permithrin treated shoes, socks,long pants, LS shirt)  and second find them before they attach and start feeding.

On my last trip between my last check and reaching my campsite, I managed to pick up three of them who had landed on my arm right above the wrist and started feeding.  Somehow I had managed to smash them when putting my pack on or off when I got water at the last stream.  So used my Garmin InReach to arrange to get out early the next day and get to the doctor for the prophylactic Rx now recommended by the CDC

[Doug Coe]

@mjh—You made me smile!

@btolley—You made me never want to hike near ticks again!

[Author]

Posts