.png)
Summer is here, and for seasoned drifters and outdoor enthusiasts, it's the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking through lush forests, camping under the stars, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, being outside in nature can be a rejuvenating experience. However, along with the beauty of the outdoors come some potential hazards that you need to be aware of - ticks, poison ivy, and poison oak.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To protect yourself from ticks while enjoying the outdoors, follow these tips:
Wear long sleeves and pants: Ticks are commonly found in tall grass and wooded areas, so covering up with long clothing can help prevent them from latching onto your skin.
Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin to repel ticks.
Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body for ticks, especially in areas such as armpits, behind the knees, and in the hair.
Avoiding Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Poison ivy and poison oak are plants that contain a resin called urushiol, which can cause a painful rash upon contact with the skin. To avoid coming into contact with these plants, follow these tips:
Learn to identify them: Both poison ivy and poison oak have distinctive three-leaf clusters. Knowing what these plants look like can help you avoid them while hiking or camping.
Wear protective clothing: If you know you'll be in an area where poison ivy or poison oak may be present, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to protect your skin.
Wash clothing and gear: After being in areas with poison ivy or poison oak, wash your clothes immediately to remove any oils that may have transferred onto them.
Summer is the perfect time for Seasoned Drifters to be outside, exploring nature. However, it's crucial to be cautious and keep an eye out for ticks, poison ivy, and poison oak. These can easily ruin a fun day outdoors, so stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any unwanted encounters with these hazards.
Comments