r/CampingandHiking • u/CartoonistNo3755 • 22h ago

Tick on me

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Hello everyone. I found a tick on me I presume it latched onto me over 24 hours ago when I was hiking.

I felt it on my side and yanked it off before knowing what it is and pulled this guy off. It was still alive and moving when I pulled it off.

I don’t have rubbing alcohol and am freaaaaking out because the area he latched onto is a bit swollen. About the size of a small mosquito bite.

Any advice would be appreciated

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u/Chi_mom 22h ago

You should contact your doctor. That's a lonestar tick and they can carry alpha gal syndrome. Keep the tick in a zip lock bag as others have suggested in case your doctor wants to send it for testing.

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u/barry_vyolent 22h ago

Should also be noted that alpha gal can be transmitted pretty much immediately, unlike lyme disease which can take 12-36 hours.

I fucking hate ticks 🤮

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u/CartoonistNo3755 21h ago

That’s what i’m freaking out about is the alpha gal syndrome. And i’m reading that it takes weeks or months to even know if you have it😭

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u/barry_vyolent 21h ago

Hopefully you're clean and clear!

Seems like you might be new/newer to hiking. Ticks have really gotten out of hand the past few years (especially here in Ohio where I am) with the added rain and heat into the seasons and most parks no longer putting effort into upkeeping grasses and whatnot... I had my 11th tick of the season yesterday 😭 Thankfully, not on my skin. I had one that made it's way onto my stomach two years ago and started getting under the skin, after about 4-6 hours. I highly suggest layering and giving them no way to make it to skin, as well as wearing lighter colored clothes that make spotting them easier at a glance.

I started wearing a second pair of thin pants under my hiking pants that I can tuck into my long socks and a very thin long sleeve running hoodie either under or over whatever shirt I'm wearing and tucking the under layer into my under layer of pants. The less amount of exposed skin the better. I personally don't think many sprays work that well. I coated all of my layers yesterday with spray and still had one on my pants after I got out of my hammock for about 45 seconds. They're quick, small and easy to miss. I'd also suggest bringing a change of clothes for after you're done and giving your hiking clothes a thorough check inside and out before getting into your car or going into your house. Definitely give your body a full check when you are out of nature.

Also make sure to give any gear that you may set on the ground a good check before moving on. Two of the ticks I found this year were on my backpack after putting it on the ground and could have easily made their way onto my neck or in my shirt.

I've been an avid nature explorer and hiker since I was a young child and have had more tick contact this year alone than I have combined in my other 40+ years outdoors. They are out of control right now, be careful and diligent AF!

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u/CartoonistNo3755 19h ago

Thank you so much!!!!!