In this latest blog from brand ambassador Austin Hoyt, learn how and why Austin uses Ranger Ready Repellents.
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. There are thought to be approximately 300,000 cases of Lyme in the US each year. It’s a dangerous and growing disease, and we have to do all that we can to protect ourselves. Lyme is the most commonly transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, known as deer ticks, but can also be transmitted by mosquitoes and fleas. Deer ticks are NOT only found on deer, they are also found on rodents, birds and other animals.
There are other determining factors in the spread of Lyme. Due to climate change, winters are warmer and shorter, which gives ticks a longer life span. Lyme has seen significant growth in the North East of the United States, as we have commonly had longer colder winters. However, the more temperate season has resulted in ticks living longer with a greater chance for infection.
May was Lyme disease awareness month, so I figured I would share the ways I protect myself from ticks and Lyme. Nothing is 100% but you must have the best defense you can! I use Ranger Ready Repellents to keep myself protected from ticks and vector-borne diseases like Lyme.
Since I’m regularly climbing in the woods I always use the Picaridin 20% insect repellent. Application is super easy - I apply it once at the beginning of my day and it will repel ticks, mosquitos and other insects for up to twelve hours. While climbing, I need my hands to be free of wetness and moisture. We use climbing chalk to eliminate hand moisture, so if I need to put anything on my skin it cannot work against my chalk! Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% doesn't leave my skin greasy, like many other products I have tried in the past. Picaridin is also pet friendly, simply spray the repellent on your hands and wipe it on your pet, keeping it away from their eyes.
I regularly climb at Harriman State Park in New York, and it is always tick infested! I would always have a ton of ticks on me after I was done climbing there, but ever since I started using Ranger Ready I've noticed a huge decline in the number of ticks on me and mosquitoes around me. Needless to say this stuff works wonders. I won’t go into the woods without a bottle of Ranger Ready!
Another cool product that Ranger Ready offers is Permethrin 0.5%. This type of bug repellent was new to me, but it's just as amazing as their other products. Apply it directly to your clothes, backpack, or in my case crash pads. Once dry, it will repel and kill insects for up to forty days. It's crazy to me that it even works so well on my crash pads, which are on the ground in the dirt and tall grasses. I've never had any ticks on them since applying Ranger Ready's Permethrin. If this information doesn't get you psyched on this stuff I'm not sure what will!
Climb hard!
