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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 09:43:17, 11/05/19

Title: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:43:17, 11/05/19

As I trolled through the online morning newspapers I saw this.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9050296/plague-ticks-lyme-disease-england/

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: jimbob on 10:06:23, 11/05/19

As if my tick phobia wasn't bad enough .
Thanks for this >:(

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: ninthace on 14:42:55, 11/05/19

And this is news?  My personal best is picking up 6 ticks in less than 10 feet of walking - Exmoor admittedly.

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: Slogger on 14:14:43, 12/05/19

Ive run, walked and camped for over 60 years and often wear shorts in the Summer and never picked up a single Tick. I do follow the Tick checking routine at regular intervals just to make sure, but, no, not a one to date.

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: ninthace on 16:25:19, 12/05/19

I met a group of ramblers on Exmoor. I could tell because of the socks over the trousers. One of them did explain that it was to prevent picking up ticks. I wasn’t wholly convinced as I would have thought woolly socks would be ideal for picking up ticks, They were all sitting on the grass at the time too. Fortunately, ticks let you come to them otherwise sitting on the grass on Exmoor would be like ringing the dinner gong for ticks.
I prefer gaiters in heavy tick country, makes it easier to spot the blighters and gives them further to walk. Apart from regular tick checks, I would recommend a shower as soon as possible after a walk. It is a chance for a thorough inspection and to wash them off before they get hold.  There has been more than one occasion I have seen a little black dot heading for the plug hole.
My other unfavourite beastie is the Harvest Mite, I seem to be really sensitive to them.  You can’t see see them but they really itch. They really hate a piping hot soapy shower too!

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: jimbob on 17:21:06, 12/05/19

Never seen a tick in my long life, never had a dog with ticks,  but I do have a friend who got Lymes disease.  I would never wish that on anyone,  hence my paranoia.Gaiters and long socks and usually long trousers, though if it is raining heavily  I do tend to take off the zip off portions as skin tends to dry quicker than cloth. Must look horrific, shorts and gaiters but I never look at myself so who cares.

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: BuzyG on 22:00:27, 12/05/19

Hate ticks, who doesn't .  Long trousers and gaiters all year around. O0

Title: Re: I know its in the Sun but maybe worth a read
Post by: Pitboot on 21:01:07, 13/05/19

I 've had my share of ticks, counted and removed 18 after one patrol in Belize, some of the boys had more.
I've never had an adverse reaction, I have never met or known anyone who's had Lyme disease either.
 I've swum in rivers and crossed swamps, and never got Weil's disease.
These "risks" make great headlines for the media who are generally uninformed as to the likelihood or chance of it striking. Obviously it's bad luck if you get caught out and it never hurts to take sensible precautions. 
For the record I have never caught malaria, been struck by lightning, bitten by a shark, or stabbed by a lunatic, maybe I should get out more!