Tick Prevention in Colder Months

“Hike safely!” These are the words that always come out of my mother’s mouth when I call her to relay the details of our next hiking adventure. But what does it mean to “hike safely”? We recently discussed the essential and recommended gear to bring on a hike (you can access the article here); but while the gear is a huge part of hiking safely, there is more to this concept than just bringing a bunch of stuff with you on a hike. That’s why in part two of our “Hiking Essentials” series, we tackle the topic of staying safe on the trail. We'll discuss general safety preparations first before diving into (and providing extra resources for) four of the main hiking safety concerns: injury, animals, potentially dangerous humans and weather. Photo by Kendra Reeder. General Trail Safety Preparation Both hiking enthusiasts and park officials generally recommend hiking in groups of two or more. This is especially important for hikes with higher mileage or elevation gain or if you are new to hiking. Staying in a group could be a life-saving decision should a dangerous situation arise during a hike. That being said, I can also see the appeal of the quiet serenity that can come with solo hiking. Regardless whether you prefer solo or group hiking, most safety concerns can be mitigated with the proper preparation and planning. This concept is illustrated by a study from the Journal of Travel Medicine that focused on the trends of search and rescue (SAR) deployment in U.S. National Parks. The authors of the study came to the conclusion that errors in judgment, fatigue/physical condition and insufficient experience, equipment and/or clothing were the most common contributing factors for SAR missions. The following are some general trail safety tips to help with the pre-hike preparation in order to help avoid dangerous situations. 1. Carry the essentials: Check out this article for a list of essentials and recommended items. 2. Research the area: While some trail surprises can make for fun memories (Who doesn’t love a hidden waterfall?!), others can turn a seemingly easy walk in the woods into a nightmarish experience. Take note to watch for things like expected elevation changes, the terrain, trail status, hunting season and wildlife. This can minimize unwanted surprises during the hike. It can also tell you if extra essentials are needed for your hike. These may include bear mace in bear country or bright orange clothing during hunting season. 3. Know the current terrain status: This can be especially important in the winter when cold temperatures and snow/freezing rain can completely change the terrain of a trail, making the use of micro-spikes or snowshoes a must. Spring and summer can also play havoc on a trail due to the overgrowth of plants. Here in the Southern Adirondacks, there are certain trails that are so overgrown at times that the use of bright tree markers is required if you want to bushwhack your way to a peak and not get lost on the way back down the mountain. 4. Always be aware of your surroundings: Try to avoid wearing earbuds or headphones or carrying a bluetooth speaker with you on a hike. It can be a pretty dangerous habit to have on the trail because many of the warning signs from potentially dangerous animals, other hikers and even weather changes (such as distant thunder) come in the form of sounds. The same goes for talking on the phone, texting and scrolling through photos while hiking since these distractions can prevent you from seeing tree roots, steep ledges and even animals (such as a snake sunning itself on the trail). 5. Know your limits: As I mentioned earlier, lack of experience, along with fatigue and physical condition, are among the most common reasons for a search and rescue team to be deployed. While I absolutely agree that pushing your limits can get you far, there is a fine line between going a bit farther than you did last week and pushing yourself to complete exhaustion. For example, I know that I tend to forget about my limits when I'm trying to keep up with more experienced hikers. This has put me in a difficult spot more than once. It took me passing out on the trail to realize that the only person I should be “competing” with is myself. From that point on, hikes have become more about the experience along the way rather than making it to a peak quickly. Photo by Jessica Human. Injury One of the biggest fears when hiking is the risk of injury. Did you know, though, that many hiking injuries can be avoided or easily treated with the proper preparation and gear? Here are some tips for preventing or treating some common hiking ailments: 1. Stretching once your muscles are warmed up can help prevent muscle cramps, lower back pain, foot arch pain, etc. I like to walk around the trailhead to warm up a bit before stretching. 2. Hydrating before and during a hike can help prevent headache, over-exhaustion, altitude sickness and stomach problems. 3. Wearing boots with ankle protection and using trekking poles can help prevent twisted or sprained ankles. It also helps stabilize you to prevent falls. 4. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help prevent sunburn, bug bites (especially if the clothing is treated with repellent) and contact with poison ivy or oak. 5. Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes things like moleskin (for blisters), insect sting-relief pads, pain-relief meds, etc., can treat most hiking-related injuries. While it is best to avoid injury, some mishaps will happen no matter how prepared you are (especially if you tend to be clumsy like me!). So what should you do if the injury is more severe and you cannot continue with your hike? These injuries could include broken bones or severe sprains, hypothermia (cooling of the core temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit), heatstroke, falls that result in loss of consciousness, etc. In these cases, you need to call in the big guns. Dialing 911 will connect you with the proper channels and get search and rescue teams to your aid. And although many hiking spots have little to no cell service available, attempting to call emergency services from your cell phone can leave a data trail for rescue services to find you. This is true even if your call didn’t go through. While it may take rescue teams longer to find you, it is an important reason to always carry a cell phone on hikes if you have one. If you tend to hike far from cell service on a regular basis, a better option may be to invest in either a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a satellite messenger. Both of these devices use satellite-based technology to transmit messages to emergency services, though a PLB is designed to send out a distress signal while satellite messengers allow you to send short messages or your location coordinates. Check out this expert advice article from REI for more information on these devices. Are you looking to gain some wilderness first-aid skills? Check out this online course presented by Backpacker Magazine to learn how to handle medical problems and emergency situations in the wilderness. Photo by Kristin Hinnant. Animal Encounters When I think of animal risks on the trail, I’m always reminded of the saying at the end of every episode of the old G.I. Joe TV show from the ’80s: “Knowing is half the battle.” Each hiking area usually comes with a unique set of animals to watch out for. It might be black bears along the Colorado Front Range or timber rattlesnakes in the Southern Adirondacks. Knowing which potentially harmful animals are in your area is the first step to avoiding an encounter or determining what to do if one happens to cross your path. It’s a universal rule that you should never approach a wild animal (not exactly the opportune time for a selfie!). However, each animal comes with a unique set of signs to look out for and solutions for avoiding an attack. We have listed some of the most common wild animals to watch out for along with some helpful resources specific to each animal. 1. Bears: Living along the Front Range in Colorado, we tended to see black bears pretty frequently along trails and in neighborhoods foraging for food. Growing up, I remember one particular incident where a bear cub was digging through the trash can in our garage before mama bear fetched him to continue down the road into the woods. So what do you do if you encounter a bear on a trail? Here and here are a couple articles that discuss the signs to look out for, precautions to take and what to do should you encounter a bear while hiking in bear country. 2. Snakes: As much as they fascinate me, I also have a somewhat irrational fear of snakes because I have encountered numerous snakes while hiking. Almost all of them were non-venomous and way more interested in getting away from me rather than attacking. That said, knowing which species to look out for and what to do if you come across a venomous species while on the trail is extremely important. Check out these articles on the do’s and don’ts of hiking in rattlesnake territory and expert snake safety advice for more information. 3. Mountain lions: Also known as cougars, pumas and panthers, mountain lions are extremely widespread throughout the Western Hemisphere. That being said, it is generally rare to encounter a mountain lion on a hike. Here are some tips from the National Park Service for how to avoid an encounter and what to do should you come across a mountain lion on a hike. 4. Ticks: While ticks may not strike fear in your heart, the diseases they can transmit should. I live in an area that shows one of the highest occurrences of Lyme disease in the nation, so protection in the form of insect repellent, long sleeves and pants, and tick checks is very important. This article discusses important information on preventing, removing and testing ticks. PLEASE NOTE: It is important to report any animal sightings to park personnel, especially if the sightings occur close to the trail! Contact information can almost always be found at trailheads and parking lots. Human Encounters We have all heard stories of hikers being attacked by other people on trails around the nation. However, while there are no set statistics on violent crimes against hikers, the likelihood of being attacked by another human being on a trail is extremely rare. In fact, public lands tend to be much safer than the rest of the country. The risk of violent crimes is thousands of times lower than in the country as a whole. That said, there are a few precautions you can take to be prepared (and provide yourself some peace of mind) should you encounter someone with potentially questionable intentions: 1. Be wary of people who don’t “look like hikers.” For example, if you are on a lengthy hike and notice someone who appears ill-equipped for the terrain (such as lack of gear or inappropriate clothing), it may be best to give them plenty of distance. 2. Carry some items that can be used as weapons close at hand. This could include bear mace and/or a hiking knife attached to a belt loop or the outside of your hiking pack. Even trekking poles can make powerful weapons. Speaking from personal experience with an overzealous toddler, getting struck in the kneecap with a pole can be extremely painful (it was purely accidental on his part). Weather Safety Mother Nature is unpredictable. It isn’t possible to know with absolute certainty what she will throw your way on a hike. However, a little forward thinking can help prevent you from being left out in the cold, rain or heat. 1. Precautions for winter Are you hiking over an area with a frozen body of water, but unsure of the safety of the ice? With large bodies of water, you'll want to be sure that the ice thickness has been tested before venturing onto it. However, when hiking in areas with frozen rivers, creeks, etc., you can test the ice yourself before putting your whole weight on it. Just remember the old saying: “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.” Be aware of snow squalls – periods of sudden moderate to heavy snowfall accompanied by strong surface winds (aka whiteouts). They can severely reduce visibility and create slippery surfaces. Most snow squalls are brief, so it is best to stay put if you are caught in one to avoid losing the trail and getting lost. Frostbite can occur during prolonged exposure of the extremities to temperatures below freezing. It can range in severity from superficial redness to severe skin discoloration and blisters. If frostbite occurs, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Also, refrain from rubbing the affected skin, as this can cause further damage. Are you hiking in an area that may be prone to avalanches? Check out this article to learn more about avalanche safety. 2. Precautions for summer Start your hike early in the day when temperatures are lower, and cover up with long sleeves, pants and a hat. This may sound counterintuitive, but the less skin that is exposed to damaging UV rays, the better! Hydrate well throughout your hike (especially if you tend to sweat a lot like I do) by sipping water often. Just be sure to avoid any chugging contests during your hike. Drinking too much water at once can actually do more harm than good because our bodies can only absorb about a half a liter of water every hour. Since our bodies are losing more than just water when we sweat, eating the right snacks can make a huge difference! Replenishing lost electrolytes can be as simple as noshing on some trail mix or sucking down some carb and electrolyte-rich sports gels. Snack breaks are great times to chill out in the shade and give your muscles a chance to recover while also letting the evaporation of sweat cool down your body temperature. Know the signs of heatstroke. This condition is caused by the overheating of the body, usually above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as a result of physical exertion or overexposure to high temperatures. Symptoms of heatstroke may include confusion or agitation, severe headache, muscle cramps, nausea/vomiting, rapid heart-rate and/or breathing, and lack of sweating. Heat stroke can be deadly, and it’s important to find shade and cool down as soon as possible. Extra medical attention may be needed as well, so don’t hesitate to call in emergency services if needed! 3. Rain and thunder and lightning, oh my! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coined the term “When lightning roars, go indoors” for a reason, but what if you are out in the middle of nowhere when you hear it? Here are some tips for staying safe if thunder comes rumbling your way: Watch for darkening clouds and increasing wind speeds, which could indicate an incoming thunderstorm. (The white, fluffy clouds are safe as long as they stay white and fluffy and don’t start growing upwards toward space!) If possible, find a safe shelter that has four walls, a roof and wiring. (Camping lean-tos and picnic pavilions are NOT safe shelters.) A fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle is also considered safe, so if you are close to the parking lot, making a break for your car is the best bet! If shelter is not an option, avoid open areas and bodies of water, immediately leave elevated areas (hills, peaks, etc.) and try not to be the tallest object in the area. Avoid tall or isolated trees, as well, as they tend to act as homing beacons for lightning strikes. Also stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences. If you are hiking in a group, spread out. While this doesn’t decrease the odds that someone will get struck, it does help prevent multiple casualties so that help is available if someone is struck. For more information on weather safety, check out this article on preparing for the unexpected while hiking for tips on how to stay prepared in case the weather turns during your adventure. Read More: Hiking Essentials: What to pack for a day hike 3 Trail Safety Tips You Must Know What other safety tips or concerns do you have regarding hiking? Let us know in the comments below! THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN FOR HIKE IT BABY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL FOR READERS. WE ARE NOT EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD AND REFER READERS TO THEIR PERSONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WHEN SEEKING ADVICE ON MEDICAL MATTERS.

“I want to go home!” whined my almost 3-year-old as he sat down in a huff on the trail. My usually adventurous little dude had lost his desire to explore, and I couldn’t blame him. It was a hot, humid summer morning in upstate New York, and we were only about a half-mile into our hike. I realized then that I had made a number of mistakes when planning this adventure: 1) I chose a trail that had little shade and no water, 2) We started the hike later than expected and it got hot FAST, and 3) There wasn't enough water. I decided to forgo the rest of the hike, strapped my kiddo on my back in a carrier, and quickly made my way back to the air-conditioned car. I needed to re-think and better prepare for hiking in summer and the weather it brings! Whether you are hiking, camping, playing at the beach or taking in a gorgeous sunset, summer is a wonderful time of year for families to enjoy outdoor fun in the sun. However, as temperatures increase, it can be hard to enjoy the outdoors with the constant “it’s too hot!” complaints coming from our tiniest explorers. Whether you have a baby in a carrier or an older child, here are some tips and tricks from our Hike it Baby community for keeping your kiddos cool on the trail in summer. Location and timing are everything We started doing shorter toddler walking/carrier hikes to alpine lakes where we can take a nice break to cool down! – Shari, Reno-Tahoe, NV I have a 1.5-year-old who is mostly in the carrier. We go early in the morning to beat the bugs and heat, and typically go for a trail with a water source. This time of year, we stay away from the beaches because of tourists, so we cool off in streams and freshwater ponds. – Lauren, Rhode Island We go in the morning and try for shaded trails or trails near a splash pad for the kids to get wet after. I also want to add that kids who wake up at the crack of dawn helps. LOL – Tracy, Louisville, KY Water parks and shorter hikes that begin or end somewhere with A/C, such as a coffee shop. – Jeannie, Kansas City, MO We include water of some sort in most of our hot-weather hikes. Hikes that don't include a water element start earlier. I like to be done or onto the water portion by 10:30 a.m. We wear loose-fitting natural fibers and hats. And of course, we pack plenty of water. We usually fill our water bladder with ice on hot days. – Courtney, Charleston/Lowcountry, SC Peppermint oil on the back of the neck! Hikes near creeks or shaded places. We also tend to hike earlier in the morning, but we are from the land of the midnight sun. So it’s hot all day! – Juliana, Fairbanks, AK Carrier tricks When putting the kids in soft carriers, I tend to strip them down to just shorts (and sunscreen). That way they have fewer layers. Mine get super hot easily and this seems to help. In strollers (if they let me), a muslin blanket helps shade them and keep bugs out. – Tracey, Anchorage, AK A towel wrapped in an ice pack between baby and me while I wear her. – Martha, Annapolis, MD For my son, I 86 the pants and shoes and utilize the sunshade on our pack. I carry a water bladder that we share to keep us hydrated and him entertained. – Lauren, Rhode Island My second child was born in May and she went hiking a lot her first 6 months. I could not have lived without our Luv Bug UPF towel. It is thin and light, has a hood, and is UPF 50+. I'd have baby in a onesie, put her in our wrap, put the towel hood over her head, tie the side corners around my waist, and then tuck the bottom corner under the carrier. Her entire body was protected from the sun and we were both comfy! – Vanessa, San Diego, CA I’d use the Osprey sun shade so she didn’t have to wear a hat.– Sandy, South King County, WA The mesh Lillebaby toddler carrier has helped keep us cool on long hikes. – Cherise, Eugene, OR For carriers, I stick to single layer carries in a cotton or linen woven wrap and ring slings, and my husband uses a Kinderpack with koolknit. While babywearing in the heat, especially with younger babies, dressing them in one less layer of clothing than yourself (often just a diaper) and frequent breaks are the best way to prevent over heating. – Courtney, Charleston/Lowcountry, SC Clothing and accessories to keep you cool Two favorites: misters and umbrellas. I bought this professional hair mister on Amazon. It provides continuous fine mist for 3 seconds each spray. I've found some pretty cool pump misters on lanyards at the county fair; there’s so many misters you can’t just have one. Evapotranspiration baby. Also a rain umbrella shades you and baby WAY better than the hat they will pull off. – Christine, Reno-Tahoe, NV We have been using a Luv Bug towel with a hood. SPF 50 makes me feel like he's protected on the beach and in the sun. When we hike in full sun, we toss it over him. If you get it wet first, it adds a layer of cooling moisture. It's a swimsuit-like material so it's very lightweight. – Kyla, Vancouver, WA Frogg Togg neck coolers, a portable fan that can clip on either stroller, frame carrier and even SSCs. If I can find breathable sunshirts, I try to use those. I keep myself as cool as possible so I’m not sweating on them. I sometimes wear a sun shirt that is very breathable meant for horseback riding. – Keira, Lexington, KY Hats, popsicles, Frogg Toggs! – Mindy, Myrtle Beach/Conway, SC I've been known to soak the hat before putting it on to keep my 3-year-old cool. Also, use bandanas you can get wet and wear around your neck. It's not heat-related exactly but I also prefer using a zinc stick sunscreen on my kids' faces (mine too). I've found it runs less with sweat than other options even if they do look like Casper when I put it on. – Jeannie, Kansas City, MO Cold snacks End with getting ice cream! – Juliana, Fairbanks, AK Cold, juicy fruits to snack on. – Martha, Annapolis, MD Frozen yogurt tubes are our go-to summer snack. While on the trail they melt a bit but still end up being a cool snack. – Jennifer, Houston, TX Frozen grapes! – Lacey, Kanai Peninsula, AK Be prepared I’d carry 3+ liters of water for a day hike, 2 liters in a bladder and the other in a water bottle. Leave a couple hydroflasks in the car full of ice water for a refreshing drink when you get back to the trailhead! Hike to lakes so you can all cool off when you have lunch and bring extra socks for yourself, putting sweaty wool socks back on is terrible. – Sandy, South King County, WA We like to freeze small Gatorade bottles and take them with us to enjoy in the middle of the hike or at the top of a peak. They are super refreshing! We also try to keep a small cooler with colder drinks and snacks in the car to enjoy a picnic after the hike. Be sure to know the signs of heat exhaustion and how to treat it just in case. – Becca, Kistsap Peninsula, WA How do you keep your little explorers cool on the trail in summer? Let us know in the comments below! Read more: Benefits and Tips for Enjoying Water Play this Summer 10 Fun Ways to Keep Cool this Summer How to pack trail snacks for hiking in summer Photos by Kyla Phillips and Arika Bauer. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. 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