Clothing Ticks tend to crawl up and that is why you should take extra precautions with your shoes and socks if you are going to be walking off the trail or in leaf litter. A University of Rhode Island study found that individuals who wore shoes and socks treated with Permethrin were 74 times less likely to have a tick bite than those not wearing treated shoes and socks. One common precautionary measure often suggested is to tuck your pants in your socks, but this has the unfortunate unintended effect of making you feel like a dork. Still, if you are wearing socks, tuck pants into them. The protection factor is worth it. Be aware of where you might be likely to get a tick on you. Ticks don't lie in wait and then jump on you like some super flea. They do 'quest' as they wait for hosts and they are more likely to get on you as you walk through tall grass or leaf litter or as your head and shoulders brush against hanging branches. Wear a hat if you are walking in a forest and plan your route as you walk. Stay out of tall grass if you can find a route around it. Check yourself externally as soon as you finish walking through these environments. This applies to dogs as well. Be alert to where they run and check them carefully when you return home or after they have been outdoors. Don't depend solely on chemical repellents for your dog or yourself. If a tick becomes attached, remove it with sharp tweezers. See CDC's webpages for how to properly remove an attached tick at www.cdc. gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html. An excellent guide to tick encounters and preventative measures you can take is the TickEncounter Resource Center of the University of Rhode Island: www.tickencoun ter.org/. A second, more in-depth review of tick prevention strategies and repellents can be found at www.ct.gov/caes/lib/ caes/documents/pub lications/fact_sheets/ entomology/repel lent_fact_sheet_new_ format_2015.pdf. Don't be afraid to work or recreate outdoors. Yes, ticks are out there, but you can avoid them by taking precautions and being alert and aware. Richard Dolesh is NRPA's VP of Strategic Initiatives (rdolesh@nrpa.org). Creating Fun Ways to Spray & Play! From contemporary designs to fun themes, we work with you to develop innovative aquatic play equipment and environments. CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT AQUATIC PLAY EXPERIENCE. 512.392.1155 | www.waterodyssey.com W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | AU G U ST 2 0 1 8 | Parks & Recreation 37