Prevent the next bite
Tick prevention that is actually practical.
The goal is not to stop going outside. It is to stack several simple protections so fewer ticks ever reach your skin.
Clothing & gear
Permethrin belongs on clothing and gear—not directly on skin.
CDC recommends treating boots, clothing and camping gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, or using pretreated clothing. Follow the product label carefully. Permethrin-treated clothing has demonstrated strong protection against tick bites in occupational studies.
CDC prevention guidance ↗Exposed skin
Use an EPA-registered repellent.
CDC lists EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus/PMD or 2-undecanone. Follow label instructions, age restrictions and application directions.
CDC repellent guidance ↗Layer the protection.
- Walk near the center of trails and reduce unnecessary contact with tall grass, brush and leaf litter when practical.
- Wear long pants, socks and closed shoes in high-risk areas; light-colored clothing can make crawling ticks easier to spot.
- Check clothing, gear, children and pets after outdoor exposure.
- Shower after coming indoors and perform a full-body tick check, including scalp, behind ears, armpits, groin, waist and behind knees.
- Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention for pets; pets can carry ticks into living spaces.
- Keep the removal kit somewhere you can actually find it quickly.
Prevention sources
Public-health guidance
CDC — Preventing tick bites
Repellents, permethrin-treated clothing and gear, avoiding brushy vegetation, post-exposure checks and prompt removal.
CDC prevention guidance →EPA — Find the repellent that is right for you
EPA registration and label instructions help compare active ingredients and protection times.
EPA repellent tool →Tick prevention • affiliate links
Prevention products
These products are relevant to preventing future tick bites. Follow the product label exactly, especially for permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Browse all recommended products →
Recommended resourceSawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
20% picaridin topical insect repellent from an established outdoor brand. Follow the product label for use and reapplication instructions.
View picaridin repellent on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
Recommended resourceSawyer Permethrin for Clothing & Gear
Permethrin treatment intended for clothing and outdoor gear—not direct skin application. Follow the label exactly and allow treated items to dry before use.
View clothing permethrin on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
Recommended resourceInsect Shield Lightweight Hiking Socks
Factory-treated outdoor clothing designed to provide long-lasting insect protection without requiring a fresh spray application before every outing.
View Insect Shield socks on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
Amazon disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through an affiliate link may earn Beat Babesia a commission at no additional cost to you.
Products I used + practical support
Products worth knowing about
Cryptolepis and artemisinin are the two products I personally used during my Babesia experience. I am sharing what I used, not prescribing a treatment. The other items are practical support products people may find useful while keeping track of medications, supplements, and hydration.
What I personally used
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
The Cryptolepis product I personally used. See the Cryptolepis page for the research, limitations, and my experience.
View Cryptolepis on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
What I personally used
Artemisinin
The artemisinin product I personally used. See the Artemisinin page for the research, limitations, and my experience.
View Artemisinin on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
Practical support
Large weekly pill organizer
A simple way to keep prescriptions and supplements organized when a routine gets complicated.
View pill organizer on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
Practical support
Hydration / electrolyte packets
Convenient hydration support for people who want an easy electrolyte option. This is not a Babesia treatment.
View hydration packets on AmazonAmazon affiliate link
Amazon disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through an affiliate link may earn Beat Babesia a commission at no additional cost to you.