Yes, ticks often climb vegetation around hiking trails and hold their front legs out until a host brushes past. They like doing this on trails because there is a lot of shade, humidity, and animal traffic.
For ticks, hiking trails are some of the most hospitable possible environments. This is why hikers are very reasonably worried about picking up ticks while out hiking.
Ticks dry out easily in the hot sun. So they need to stick to shaded and humid environments instead. They also need a steady supply of hosts, sometimes humans and their pets, but often deer and mice. Trails provide all of these in great abundance.
This is particularly bad in Eastern Connecticut for a few reasons. The weather is generally favorable for ticks and there are lots of animal hosts. But beyond that, there is also a serious Lyme disease issue. In fact, the disease is named for a town in this area. The blacklegged ticks known to carry these diseases are dense in Middlesex, New London, and Windham counties. The same ticks also carry anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
You should still enjoy the trails, though. It’s just important to be wise about how you use them. Stay center-trail and avoid the overhanging fringe. Avoid sitting on logs or stone walls, as well as coming into contact with tall grass or leaf litter. Tuck pants into socks so there is no gap at the ankle and wear light colors so ticks are clearly visible.
You may also want to consider permethrin-treated clothing and boots if you go on hikes regularly. Permethrin drops ticks on contact rather than merely repelling them. You can also use a tick repellent with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin as well.
After you’re done, check for ticks. They often hide in the hairline, ears, waistband, groin, and behind knees. If you find and remove ticks quickly, you greatly reduce your odds of falling ill.
If your trail habit keeps producing ticks, Mosquito Squad of Middlesex, New London & Windham County can help. Mosquito Squad treats the brushy edges and leaf litter where ticks wait for a host. This will help you protect your family with up to 90% reduction in pest activity on a recurring cycle.
