Lyme disease, a vector-borne illness transmitted by deer ticks, can have severe long-term effects on health if not caught early, including cognitive impairment. Dr. Samuel Shor, past president of the International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, emphasized that the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest are high-risk areas due to higher humidity.
Lyme Disease Prevalence and Risks
Dr. Luis Marcos, an infectious disease specialist at Stony Brook Medicine located in Suffolk County, New York—an epicenter for tick-borne diseases—stated that Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne diseases in the U.S. Suffolk County reports 600-700 cases annually, and ticks can remain active year-round. The American Camp Association estimates that 25% of all Lyme disease diagnoses occur in children, with those aged 5-14 being particularly high-risk.
Prevention Strategies from Experts
Dorothy Leland, president of LymeDisease.org and co-author of "When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide," recommends using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil on exposed skin. Dr. Shor advises DEET as a first-line choice but notes picaridin as a suitable alternative for those with sensitive skin. He also suggests wearing light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily and tucking pant legs into socks and shirts into waistbands.
Leland recommends treating clothing, shoes, and gear with a spray containing 0.5% permethrin, which protects for up to five to six washes. Pre-treated clothing can last through 70 washes. Dr. Shor stresses being aware of surroundings, as ticks thrive in tall grass and heavily leaved areas, especially during gardening.
Recommended Products for Tick Protection
The following products have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency as safe and effective for repelling insects, including ticks. The experts consulted do not necessarily endorse these specific items unless noted.
- L.L. Bean Protective Insect-Repelling Hoodie: Treated with EPA-approved permethrin, odorless, and invisible. Lightweight hood and close-fitting design. Machine-washable. Available in three colors for men and women. $65.
- Cutter's Backwood Aerosol Repellent: Contains 10% DEET, suitable for kids without supervision. Lasts up to 10 hours, sweat-resistant. $7 at Amazon and Walmart.
- DEET-Infused Towelettes (50-pack): Each towelette contains 30% DEET, providing up to seven hours of protection. Low-odor, non-greasy. $50 at Amazon.
- L.L. Bean Anti-Insect Hiking Pants: Treated with permethrin, lightweight nylon with stretch, quick-dry, UPF 50+ sun protection. $100 for men and women.
- Permethrin Treatment Spray: Unscented, bonds to fabric fibers, repels ticks and 55 other insects. Effective for up to six weeks or six washes. $14+ at Amazon, $19 at REI for 24-ounce.
- DEET-Free Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Spray: Botanical-powered, offers up to six hours of protection. Non-chemical scent, non-greasy. $8 at Amazon, $15+ at Walmart.
- Insect Shield Cotton Crew Socks: Treated with permethrin, built-in cushion on sole. Sizes M-XL. $11 at Amazon.
- Light-Colored UV-Protective T-Shirt: 70% cotton, permethrin-treated, protection for up to 70 washes. 30+ UV protection. $37 for men and women at Amazon.
- Tick-Repelling Leg Gaiters: Stretch-mesh, micro-encapsulated permethrin, UV-resistant, effective for up to 50 washes. Legs $28, arms $34 at Amazon.
- Kids' Treated Cargo Pants: Insect Shield tech, elasticised ankle cuffs, elastic waist, UPF 50+. Gender-neutral sizing XXS-XL. $45 at REI (regularly $60).
- L.L. Bean Convertible Hiking Pants: Permethrin-coated, UV-protective, convertible to shorts, quick-dry. $110 for men and women.
- Time-Release Insect Repellent Lotion: Over 34% DEET, protects up to 12 hours. Lotion formulation ensures thorough coverage. Supervised use for children recommended. $8 at Walmart.
- Permethrin-Treated Leggings for Women: Four-way stretch, SPF 50+, moisture-wicking, breathable. $75+ at L.L. Bean.
- Tick-Repelling Stickers: NatPat stickers infused with geranium, peppermint, thyme, and cedarwood oils. Biodegradable bamboo fibers. Editor's Pick: HuffPost executive editor Kate Palmer uses them with her family. 48-pack $15 at Amazon, $16 at NatPat; 24-pack $10 at Target.
- Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment: For post-bite healing, soothes bug bites, scrapes, and cuts. Contains vitamin E and lavender oil. $17 at Amazon.
Importance of Vigilance
Despite using repellents and protective clothing, checking for ticks after outdoor activities remains crucial. As Dr. Shor notes, awareness of surroundings is key to preventing tick bites and Lyme disease.
