Ticks?
I've been mostly an indoor person for most of my life, but am now trying to explore nature and get outdoors more often. That said, I'm not very keen on bugs of any kind, especially arachnids, and the prospect of getting eaten by a tick does nothing to encourage me to go out.
I've read a number of websites that give some tips about avoiding ticks, and some of the advice seems sound and easy enough to follow. However, they all recommend using bug repellent, like DEET, which I would rather not do; there are enough chemicals around me as it is. The other advice includes undressing on the patio, immediatelly washing your clothes and drying them on high heat, having a thorough body check, and so on. Perhaps this is because I have been nice and safe inside the house, but do they seriously expect me to do all that every time I step off the sidewalk?
Do you, Portland hikers, worry about ticks? If so, did you learn to avoid them or live with the chore of looking for them every time you go out? How likely are you to get ticks? Is it something to only worry about on prolonged hikes through the woods, or does one need to do the entire "bathe in alcohol and burn your clothes" every time you're not surrounded by concrete and bricks?
I've read a number of websites that give some tips about avoiding ticks, and some of the advice seems sound and easy enough to follow. However, they all recommend using bug repellent, like DEET, which I would rather not do; there are enough chemicals around me as it is. The other advice includes undressing on the patio, immediatelly washing your clothes and drying them on high heat, having a thorough body check, and so on. Perhaps this is because I have been nice and safe inside the house, but do they seriously expect me to do all that every time I step off the sidewalk?
Do you, Portland hikers, worry about ticks? If so, did you learn to avoid them or live with the chore of looking for them every time you go out? How likely are you to get ticks? Is it something to only worry about on prolonged hikes through the woods, or does one need to do the entire "bathe in alcohol and burn your clothes" every time you're not surrounded by concrete and bricks?