[jmitch offline]

Okay, I've tried Backwoods Off and a few other bug sprays on my lower legs and shoes before riding but none seem to work that great. Ticks and Redbugs(chiggers) are out in FULL force around here!!
Anyone have suggestions?

Signed,

Scratchin my balls in the FLA...

[dgaddis offline]

I know a few mtn bikers who shave their legs this time of year because of ticks. Less hair, less chance they'll hang on. That's all I got...sorry. Interested in hearing some other suggestions.

[jtorlando25 offline]

Unfortunately the only thing I've found that works is staying away from the trails where the ticks are particularly bad. I went on a ride a few weeks ago at one of my local trails known for its tick problem and pulled 8 ticks off of me during the span of a 1 hour ride. Grossed me out to the point of not coming back. The high deet sprays help, but do not eliminate the problem.

[ollysj offline]

Using nothing and didn't had a tick for almost 40 years. Finger crossed.....

[RazorRay offline]

When we ride in Sebring I always pull 3 or 4 ticks. My wife none. Maybe there is something to say for shaving the legs. Get with your club and see about trimminng the trails a little. I really have found nothing that works.

[fat_billy offline]

The pests seem to be attracted to some people and not others. Wearing higher socks seem odd but might help. You must be more politically correct and refer to Red Bugs as chigroes not chiggers. Just saying. Later,

[Jarrett.morgan offline]

I just got my first tick of the season last weekend, so I have been doing some research. DEET is one option for combating ticks but it is very ineffective at best and very high concentration (33% and up) are required to convey any benefits. The second option is botanicals. I saw a few on Amazon, but the scientific backing behind these is a little sketchy; however, if it works it works. The third option is permethrin. This actually works as an insecticide and kills pest. Clothes can be treated with permethrin and 5% permethrin cream is available to rub on danger areas like ankles. Permethrin and DEET can be mixed for synergistic benefits.

Unfortunately, there are downsides. Both DEET and permethrin have possible adverse side effects and may cause cancer. Also, if you are a cat owner be very careful with both chemicals. Something about these chemicals and cats do not mix well, dead cat real quick.

Anyways I hope this information is of value.

[mtbgreg1 offline]

What about just pulling the ticks off when you find them?

[jmitch offline]

I don't think I'll do the cancer chemicals...what's this pull them off thing you speak of? I think I'll leave the one that I found crawling on my TAINT! Chigroes? Oooh, that's cold...

[dgaddis offline]

I think I'll leave the one that I found crawling on my TAINT!

LOL I feel your pain man. Not a good place to get one. Hard to see to remove it, bad place to have an itch (my tick bites always itch for a few days). That's all I'm sayin' about that