Don’t Let Ticks Ruin Your Summer: A North Dakotan’s Guide to Staying Itch-Free

North Dakota is just great. It's home to wide-open prairies, peaceful hiking trails, and unfortunately…ticks. These tiny hitchhikers are back in season, and they’re eager to crash your picnics, hikes, and backyard bonfires. But don’t worry—tick safety doesn’t mean dressing like you're entering a beekeeping contest or spraying yourself with enough bug repellent to knock out a moose. According to Williams County, It just takes a little prep now will save a lot of sanity now.

Read More Here: Don’t Let These Dangerous Insects Ruin Your Perfect North Dakota Day

First, Let’s Talk Wardrobe

If you’re planning to wander through tall grass or wooded areas, toss on some long sleeves, tuck your pants into your socks (yes, it’s a fashion statement—tick couture!), and go for light-colored clothing. Why light colors? Because it’s easier to spot a tick crawling up your leg when it’s not playing hide-and-seek in your camo pants.

Next Up: Repellents

A spritz of insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can work wonders. Just try not to get it in your eyes—you’re trying to avoid itchy situations, not create new ones.

Don't Forget To Check Yourself, and Your Furry Friends

Once you’ve returned from your outdoor adventure (or your backyard BBQ), do a tick check. Ticks love to hide in warm, cozy spots like armpits, behind the knees, or that spot you always miss while shaving. Check your pets too—Fido is a five-star hotel for ticks if you’re not careful.

So get out there and enjoy the great North Dakota outdoors! Just remember: the only thing you want stuck to you this summer is a good memory, not a tick.