Tick Prevention: How to Protect Yourself and Your Clothing Outdoors
Whether you're hiking, gardening, walking the dog, camping or exploring the woods with your kids, tick prevention is an important part of spending time outdoors.
The good news? A few simple habits, combined with thoughtful clothing choices, can help reduce your exposure to ticks.
Download our free printable Tick Prevention Checklist to make tick checks and prevention part of your outdoor routine.
Download Free Tick Prevention Checklist (PDF)
5 Ways to Help Keep Ticks Off Your Clothing
1. Cover Up with Light-Coloured Clothing
Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes. Light-coloured fabrics can make ticks easier to spot as they crawl across your clothing.
2. Secure Openings at the Wrists and Ankles
Ticks can crawl over clothing and may reach your skin through gaps. Tuck your pants into your socks or choose outdoor clothing with secure wrist and ankle cuffs to help reduce openings.
3. Stay on Marked Trails
Ticks are commonly found in grassy, brushy and wooded areas. When possible, walk in the centre of marked trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
4. Use an Approved Tick Repellent
Apply an approved tick repellent according to its product label. Follow the instructions for the product you choose, including any age restrictions and directions for children.
5. Check Your Clothing Throughout the Day
After walking through tall grass or brush, inspect your clothing for ticks. When you return home, change clothes and perform a thorough tick check, including your scalp, behind your ears, under your arms, around your waist and behind your knees.
Can Clothing Help Prevent Tick Bites?
Clothing is an important part of a tick prevention routine. Long sleeves, long pants and well-designed cuffs can help cover exposed skin and reduce openings where ticks may crawl underneath.
At TickOffTicks, we focus on practical design features for real outdoor activities. Our tick protection coveralls feature tapered entry points at the wrists and ankles, along with designated spray zones to remind wearers where to apply an approved repellent.
Our goal is to make protective clothing practical and comfortable for everyday outdoor life, from gardening and dog walking to hiking and camping.
No garment can guarantee complete protection from ticks. Clothing should be combined with repellent when appropriate, regular tick checks and other recommended precautions.
Looking for clothing designed with tick protection in mind?
Discover TickOffTicks outdoor clothing designed to keep ticks out.
What Should You Do When You Get Home?
Your tick prevention routine doesn't end when you come indoors.
Check your body. Look carefully for ticks, paying particular attention to hidden areas.
Shower. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help remove unattached ticks and make it easier to check your body.
Check your clothing. Tumble-dry dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks, following garment care instructions.
Check children and pets. Make tick checks part of your routine after outdoor activities.
If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers and follow local public health guidance.
Download Your Free Tick Prevention Checklist
Want an easy reminder for your next outdoor adventure?
Our free printable Tick Prevention Checklist covers simple steps to take before heading outside, while you're outdoors and when you return home.
Print a copy for your home, keep one in your backpack or share it with family and friends.