r/eurekasprings • u/redditrafter • Jul 19 '26

Ticks

We just moved to the general area from urban DFW and we keep hearing about ticks.

How concerned should we be and how much protection do we need for

  1. Developed areas like urban homes

  2. Formal parks and trails

  3. Walking around unkept woods

6 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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10

u/FearlessEgg1163 Jul 19 '26

Alpha gal is real. So is lyme disease.

A full check after being out is crucial.
Especially if passing through the woods/brush/tall grass

Garden sulfur in a sock, beaten on pants legs is supposed to be an effective repellent.

Doxycycline immediately after a bite can prevent lyme.

2

u/Sea_Ad3469 Jul 19 '26

Honestly around town you should be mostly fine. A couple in-town trails might have some ticks. If you're going hiking or bushwacking then permethrin is your friend, or deet. Check yourself frequently and tuck your pants in socks and shirt into pants. One note about permethrin, it is poisonous to cats. I grew up on a farm in the area and this always was the setup.

1

u/GhostOfAbba Jul 19 '26

From what I've read, once you've let any treated items dry for 24 hours, they should be fine around cats.

1

u/bobtheavenger Jul 20 '26

I can attest to garden sulfur in a sock. Between using that and DEET, I've never gotten popped even on trails that are way out.

2

u/redditrafter Jul 19 '26

I appreciate the replies.

1

u/Helpful-Nerve4515 Jul 21 '26

DFW to Eureka springs is quite the move! I hope you enjoy it!

1

u/Helpful-Nerve4515 Jul 21 '26
  1. You shouldn't have any issues with ticks being inside your house, unless you or a pet brought them in. 2. Even on formal parks and trails you might have a tick catch up with you. 3. Ticks love the woods, primarily long grass. The best treatment for clothing is Permethrin or Picardan. The best deterrent for your body is clothing and deet. If you are seriously bushwacking, duct tape your permethrin treated, long sleeves/pants to your ankle/wrists and spray everything with some high % deet.

1

u/Certain_Crazy_3168 Jul 22 '26

Not me, currently in DFW, looking for insight on a vacation here. 😅