How to prevent Tick Bites - Permethrin on Hiking and Camping Gear

[@simongough3771]

Completely concur Murray 👍 You’re probably aware that Permethrin is a synthesised version of Pyrethrum. The pyrethrum daisy flower was first used as an insecticide by the ancient Chinese and is historically one of the first examples of a natural pesticide (along with the Romans use of salt as a herbicide and the early Greeks who used red wine as a fungicide). I remember writing a paper on the synthetic Pyrethrin compounds as a horticultural student and i think you can be assured of its safety profile. Though you don’t appear to have a pond in your garden it folks should be aware its fish toxicity is high even at a few ppm. Another great Vlog Murray and timely too as i plucked out a whopper of a tick only yesterday !!!!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Simon - useful info - will pin this as it interesting to know permethrin originated from a flower (well pyrethrum) 👍 Thanks for info Take care Murray

[@andymc798]

If I may add: Although Permethrin is a man-made substance based on the natural substance Pyrethrum, it should not be regarded as a natural substance and can kill some wild animals if ingested, as you mentioned in ponds. It can kill Hedgehogs too :-( I hope this stuff doesn't wash off into the ground. I do however understand your war on ticks.

[@simongough3771]

Andy Mcniff Pertinent point Andy. The amount (a few mls at 0.512%) dried onto clothing will present no risk to mammalian life......however what will is the amounts sprayed onto forest trees. Foresters use Cypermethrin or Deltamethrin at 25% strength onto new transplants to protect the young trees from Pine bark weevil (Hylobius Abeatis). This will deliver cover 1000x more synthetic Pyrethriod per sq M by comparison. All this is without the negative environmental effects of conifer covered hillsides which i could write a book on !

[@robertskolimowski7049]

@@andymc798 Hi Andy, thanks for your eye-opening comment, one question though - does it give off any harmful odour?, thus can it be in any way harmful to humans when inhaled or something? (Obviously, I assume ingesting would v dangerous) Many thanks!

[@andymc798]

@@robertskolimowski7049 Put it this way: you know when you get a lung full. Aerosols are the worst - always use in a well ventilated area and away from any other animals. Stand upwind etc. The pump sprays tend to not spay to the atmosphere so much and can be applied to a more concentrated area. Always read the label, they tend to warn of the hazards. Once dried, I haven't sensed any odours.

[@BeyondYourDoorstep]

I didn't know Permethrin was good for preventing ticks. I used it when travelling in South East Asia to protect against mosquito bites and mosquito born diseases. Great to know it works for ticks too. Thanks for the tips! 👍

[@cali_weejock]

Nice one Murray. 06:39 "enough talking" hasn't quite got the same ring to it when not followed by "lets get walking" I think you'll be on the hills sooner than you think. Take care.

[@RaP22]

I was camping a while back in June ( no lockdown restrictions in IOM at that time ) and my inner tent was just crawling with ticks..not inside, but on the inner mesh. I looked into doing this but wasn't sure on spraying my tent as I was worried about damaging the waterproof sealing. So thanks for posting this video. Cheers

[@WalkWithWallace]

Good advice, I may invest in this stuff too, doesn't seem too harmful to us, like Deet. I got 1 single tick bite in a whole round of Munros. Moved onto Corbetts and Grahams and that changed, get them more often now.

[@calcowie8219]

Awesome that your posting stuff about this Murray! I'm going to be investing in some. Funny enough I caught Lymes during a trip to Skye in November, I just wish I had caught it early enough. The GP's are not as clued up about it in England unfortunately and I'm suffering pretty bad now, had relatively similar early symptoms to yourself. It was your video that led me to question whether it was Lymes so I thank you massively for that as I wasn't clued up on the disease or its transmission at all.

[@calcowie8219]

i've also shared this for people in the Lymes Disease UK Group :)

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hope you are ok and getting treatment - not a nice thing to have - get well soon - hope this vids have helped a little bit Get well ASAP ATB Murray

[@RS.Outdoors]

Started using that product last year as well after watching the Hounds of Howgate. He was suffering badly from the ticks on may outings and found that stuff worked well. Atb

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Seems to work - I’ve not had a tick since applying permethrin to the clothes - but I have also been taking more other precautions too :) Catch up soon Ray (well whenever lockdown allows !!)

[@hikerdoc6771]

Good advice. I use the same, but even so they'll still get you sometimes. I got some when hiking the Outer Hebrides last year. Check skin regularly. Lyme disease less likely if you get 'em off before 24 hours. Never use tweezers (compressing the tick body innoculates you with infection), use a tick hook. Take a mirror compass to visualise all skin areas and hope you don't get one on your back if you're solo!

[@anthony68]

Great stuff,used to get ticks constantly crawling up my tent but since I sprayed it with this product it hasn’t happened once ,they die when they contact it and it usually lasts 2 weeks per application

[@ScotlandsMountains]

It certainly seems to do the job - anything to keep the ticks off the tent an gear when camping cant be a bad thing :) Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@lentrim5444]

Fourteen years since I 'compleated' the Munros and glad to say I only got 1 tick in the entire round. There were definitely fewer about in those days. Post lockdown I intend to heave my no doubt complaining body back into the hills mainly due to the inspiration to revisit old haunts your videos have given me. I'll be using this spray!

[@alanc4264]

Thanks for the informative video. I use pre-treated garments from Rohan or Craghoppers. It saves the hastle of spraying my garments. Being in an apartment and not a house spraying my gear was a hassle. I still spray my rucksack and gaitors but not my boots as I wear pre-treated socks. I buy my bottles of permethrin on Ebay Sawyer brand, which worked out slightly cheaper than using Life Systems.

[@garybeaumont1373]

Very informative! I hate the little things. Buddy (for those who don’t him is my golden retriever) has an anti tick collar called “Seresto,” we get it from the vet and to date he hasn’t had a single tick, but I do worry that they crawl off him and onto me, social distancing won’t work in a tent and won’t apply to ticks, so I’ll be doing this before I head back out. Thanks Murray!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Gary - this collars sounds good - reckon I picked more ticks on dog walks than when hiking - but none since I started using permethrin - covered up more too now (no shorts allowed 😂) . Take care and hope you and Buddy and safe and well ATB Murray

[@GrahamWilliamson1985]

Thanks for the tips Murray. I will certainly be purchasing this and applying. I am paranoid about ticks. At least every time I'm camping I come back with one. Will def give this a try. Hope u and family are safe and well. Cheers

[@briankumm4825]

Murray, thanks for the tips. I’ve not had (that I know of?) any issue with ticks just the dreaded Scottish Midge. I found Smidge works great, maybe this is what protected me and my hiking buddy from ticks? However, it seems ticks are more and more prevalent nowadays, or maybe we just hear about it more, but I am going to do this before my next wild camp - and ounce of prevention and all that. I found your boot review very helpful and enjoy all your videos, makes me long for the next trip which can’t come soon enough! Stay safe! Brian.

[@marjiecleveland]

A great idea before going out for a walk, hike or doing anything outdoors. Thanks for sharing!

[@bobbyspity]

Every day is a school day ! Thanks for that great info

[@discoverydave8541]

Hi Murray, thanks for the helpful preventive advice. Stay safe. 👍🏔

[@davids9549]

In 40 years of UK hillwalking I've only been aware of receiving one tick bite, last year on Harris (just below the wrist, dug it out with penknife) - horrid little things aren't they? I think it's worth emphasising the importance of dressing appropriately for tick-infested country. Tick's don't fly, they can only brush off or climb onto you. Shorts are a particularly stupid choice to wear while yomping through the heather bog, but lots of people do. Thrilled to see we have the same boots, but haven't those shocking yellow trews worn out yet?

[@davidsexton6604]

The start of the season".....can't wait !

[@caenlochan159]

Thank you for the advice Murray, very useful. Stay save.

[@DartmoorBackpacker]

I use "Tick less" it's an ultrasonic device that creates a 2m bubble of ultrasonic sound. I clip it to my bag and it seems to keep them off the dog as well. Enjoying your videos very much. Stay Safe.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

I haven't heard of that - away to do some searching and maybe part with some money!! anything to keep the ticks away - I do not want a case of Lyme Disease again!! Thanks for the tip Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@Ftscotland]

I've only just started viewing your videos and came across this one. I found this spray a number of years ago and my mate and I have been using it since. He is a veritable tic magnet and this has all but stopped him getting getting any. Like you we spray anything that will come in contact with grass, ground or ferns.

[@Scottishebikeadventures]

Good bit of info Murray. I've never been bothered by ticks, but you just never know what's round the corner as this year has proven. Only thing I carry beastie wise is Skin So Soft. Might invest in a bottle of this when we're back to some sort of normal.

[@steve54brown]

Thanks for the information , appreciate it and keep the vids coming !

[@canyonoverlook9937]

I can't believe they don't let you go out hiking yet. A lot of those areas are empty.

[@ScotsWildcamper]

Thinking about the scarp 1 or the moment dw just waiting for stock. Fantastic clip of Skye take care.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Eddie - i find it a Braw tent but my experience with other tent sis limited - it’s easy to put up and take down which I love (I can be a bit lazy !! Lol ) Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB

[@MrLabradorwildman]

Hi watching your great Videos all my Family and grand children from Labrador,Canada. I been using Permethrin, but the Canadian government Heath department has not aloud the sale of permethrin which blows my mined! it is not illegal to have you just can not buy it in Canada due to one you said about the cats and the water table, yet the ticks are very bad in Canada, we do not have ticks but the black fly in Labrador which are very bad and the same has but cloths only one company is aloud to sell cloths that has a very low treatment of Permethrin . I use to get it sent from the UK and the USA but know get stop at customs. Just hope one day they let us buy it i never buy DEET again, a great video thanks again Dave from Labrador City Canada

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Dave, I think some other treatments with permethrin i.e. for dogs and for crop protection have permethrin in much higher doses - not sure if thats been a contributing factor. As far as I have read the low dose in this permethrin treatment (0.5%) is very low and very unlikely to be harmful (certainly less harmful than DEET imho) Take care , stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@pencil123ify]

Morning have a freind who when we went out on walks constantly picked up ticks and I wont say where some ended up but her daughter had to do the removal task . This product is just as you say perfect

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

The current 5 mile limit means I'm restricted to our local hills which are covered with heather, reeds, long grass and sheep. Neither I nor the dog has been bitten by a tick yet but this morning a tick fell off my trousers onto the bed. So guess what I've just ordered a couple of bottles of 😃 Thanks for the heads-up Murray

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Ian - I can easily say I have had loads more ticks from local walks with the dog than I ever had on the hill. I think long grass in wooded areas is where I have picked up the most - Moncrieff Hill and Kinnoull Hill being culprits whenever I have strayed off the path!! Hopefully the spray on the cloths will repel the little buggers this year !! Take care and make sure you haven't any left on yuo sucking away!! ATB Murray

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

@@ScotlandsMountains Hi Murray, The proof of the pudding is in the ....treating! Sprayed my trousers and rucsac with permethrin and did 19kms over rough moorland yesterday. Quite a few sheep about and I'm sure plenty of ticks as well but not a single one on me or my clothing. If anyone is having trouble finding the Life Systems spray, try Purple Turtle (yeah, I know) Quick and friendly service. Thanks again Murray.

[@europa1387]

Good stuff. Was looking at the Scarp tent looks like a great tent but they seem a bit of a pain to get hold of so went for a Fjallraven Abisko 1 in the end looking forward to getting out in it. Take care.

[@architexturalchaos1862]

This a piece of gold of an advice. I am one of those people that the *&^*%^^ beasties find tastier then average. Only midges seem to be totally indiscriminate. Thanks, will need to try this!

[@Sieg2k6]

Is this flammable? If I spray my clothes with this then go sit by the fire on a cold night, am I gonna go up in flames?

[@stuartwilson1613]

Thanks Murray. I too had to be treated for Lymes last year, thankfully no serious symptoms as such. I would be interested to know if the Permethrin has much odour to it as I happen to get unpleasant allergic reactions to most things scented, which means I usually I have to avoid stuff that comes out of a spray bottle. I thoroughly enjoy your videos/vlogs and appreciate you keeping it up all the way thro' lockdown, thanks.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Stuart - afraid I’m not too sure about the allergies on this - hope you recovered well after your Lyme disease Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@pillliwinx]

Just bought some, thanks 👍

[@TheKruxed]

Going back in time through your videos, while I don't hike I do use peppermint oils on my socks lol. Seems that most insects avoid it like the plague so if I can whoff everything with mint as I walk past much less likely to get something wanting to hop onto my ankles. I'll be getting some of that stuff when I do start 'proper' hiking though, assume midges would be killed by it too?. Side note that my cat wanted to pounce at the tv when yours came on, first time that's ever happened

[@ruhelproduction5360]

Great advice. Thanks

[@NickHansonPhotography]

Very informative video Murray, especially as lockdown is easing in the UK and thankfully here in Scotland. Do you know if permethrin could have an adverse affect on the waterproof properties of clothing\equipment?

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Nick - TBH I am not sure, however I haven't had an issue with it and have treated my waterproofs with permethrin too. I don't think it will damage the fabric (like DEET can) in these low dosages - however I cannot be certain of it ? Take care , stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@thewildsilence4097]

Morning Murray, some kind of warning please before you hang out those pants in bright sunlight! Otherwise excellent and informative as usual . Anything that helps keep the little monsters at bay. Atb. Mark

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Ooops - sorry - did you notice that I had my shades near by (on my head). Risk of permanent blindness if you look directly at the yellow trousers as sun shines on them (not often in Scotland!! lol) Take care , stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@fraserconnell21]

Cheers Muzza😁. As I don't really go on any outdoorsy online forums etc ,and where I live ticks aren't too much of a problem,although obviously they are still around I've not looked into solutions for the wee beasties other than keeping covered up.But holidays are different, because I can't get upto Scotland quick enough!😁. Obviously up there the little Bxxxxxxs seem to be everywhere.Point being,I'll get some permethrin ordered soon as I've done this. Thanks👍

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Fraser - staying covered up is probably the most important part as well - if any beasties get on you then the permethrin will get rid of them hopefully :) Take care and stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@fraserconnell21]

@@ScotlandsMountains cheers Murray,hope you don't mind the "Muzza" thing,it could be your new nickname😁,who knows👍

[@borisvondoofenschmirtz3488]

Brilliant thanks for the info I'm gonna get some of that 👍🏻

[@EllipticDawid25]

1:43 best part

[@JustinWhiting9]

Hi Murray, I expect the midges and ticks to be heavy in Scotland after the mild winter. Have you noticed that recently? Planning to treat my kit today with the same stuff as you. Would you say it’s ok to treat base layers? I also wear a buff on my head and round my neck. Ok on that too? I think so, but just checking those items worn next to sensitive skin areas. Thanks for your video 👍 Justin.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Justin - think it’s ok - I don’t treat base layers but do treat the buff which I wear round my wrist and head (and anywhere else it’s required 👍)

[@JustinWhiting9]

Thanks Murray, maybe I’ll just treat the cuffs, collar and hem of my base layers then. Up to Skye next week, can’t wait 👍 Justin.

[@batwithglasses]

I agree Murray, it's a necessary evil having to wear a chemical ensemble..and with yourself having Lyme disease it's mandatory for sure. I on the other hand, prefer to wear shorts or shpants/nickers/capris so I can feel them at first crawl..this has served me well for over 40 years..I generally douse my socks and upper ankles and calves in DEEP..actually just a little bugger on me this morning walking in my backyard..I do truly hate these things. Stay safe my friend.

[@thetickterminator]

Permethrin is the best stuff to kill and repell ticks and small insects.

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

Good stuff Murray but that giant tick on your thumbnail scared the s**t out of me!!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

My new pet - a giant tick 😂😂

[@letzvisit1661]

Do you still get ticks up in the mountains and more open areas? I’m thinking of wild camping in the cairn what do you think? Also do you have a video on variety of kit worth buying for an overnight camp I want to go light but still enjoy it

[@Curlew-Corner]

Apologies if someone has already asked: How often during tick season do you have to treat your clothing etc?

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

Great video! How many times per season do you treat your gear? Only spring or you redo it at some point?

[@ScotlandsMountains]

I tend to do a thorough treatment in spring then top up as the season goes on - depends how much the gear gets washed and used in my case 👍 Take care and stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@pakrogv]

Thanks for interesting videos. How often do you seam seal your scarp 1?

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi - not very often - second time I’ve done it in years ! Don’t tend to go camping if heavy rain forecast though 🤔👍 Take care and stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@derekgillan7314]

Good tip, thx

[@theronin365]

If you've washed your clothes in a machine do you then have to retreat the clothes with permethrin? or just apply it everytime before you go out?

[@fraserstephen7493]

Great video as always👍🏻. Is that stuff safe to spray on gore-tex? Wouldn't it affect performance?

[@planesimple8619]

I would only spray it on softshells, bottom of trousers and maybe the cuffs of the jacket along with the hem. Not the main part of the jacket in my opinion.

[@scottcumming4905]

Every days a school day. Off to get some spray. What is it you use for sealing the seams of your tent

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Scott, I ue tent silicone (if you search on amazon you'll find it ). Usaly pply it outside on nice warm day :)

[@scottcumming4905]

@@ScotlandsMountains thanks

[@matepolcz]

Scotland's Mountains!!!

[@mk1aquatic739]

Is there some sort of medication for Lymes disease available that you could have with you, ready to take if you find that you've been bitten by a tick?

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi - not that I am aware of - if you find a tick always get in touch with the GP if you start developing symptoms Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@mk1aquatic739]

@@ScotlandsMountains Will do. Great channel btw. I saw one crawl up my hand once when I was fishing, couldn't even feel it, small and black before it's feasted. Thought it was an ant at first then noticed it had 8 legs instead of 6. Only reason I recognised this was because of having to remove them from the dogs in the past. They're sneaky little buggers! Cheers.

[@lindzhoward7752]

Hmmm, not sure about encasing myself in chemicals but saying that I've not had lymes disease. (yet)

[@ScotlandsMountains]

I had the same dilemma (always prefer Smidge to DEET etc etc) however after my experience last year , I'll happily apply as much a possible to keep the ticks off me ! lol - I think covering up more (ie no shorts tc etc ) helps massively too Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

@@ScotlandsMountains Aye, tuck trousers into socks and wear gaiters in long grass and bracken

[@JCJ7754]

Do the chemicals not damage your gear?

[@mytherapygarden3909]

Enjoy the outdoors. Wanna be friends

[@samuelramsay3631]

I'm just going to take the wife instead keep bugs away 😂😂 this lockdown greeting a bit much but joking aside good advice tnx for sharing atb

[@dessiediamond7414]

How long does a treatment last?

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Dessie, it states on the lifesystems bottle fr around two weeks but other brands suggest up to 4-6 weeks and up to 6 washes in a cycle. I tent to do a thorough treatment at the start of the season then do top up up sprays every 4-6 weeks until it start getting colder:) Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@jncolligan1]

Thanks! So does one application last a season?

[@user-ky1gg5zp5i]

Each treatment lasts for up to 2 weeks EX4 will last 2 years from when the bottle is first opened

[@southwesterncamper4848]

You heading out after the 28th? If Nicola approves it? I envy the new rules north of the border 😎

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi - only allowed out within a 5 mile radius from front door for leisure outdoors stuff as far as I know - won’t be until phase three comes in that we can head further afield - those living near the mountains ( 5 miles ) can go out if phase one comes in on Friday - I’ll be staying local and walking the dog 👍

[@southwesterncamper4848]

@@ScotlandsMountains at least you can walk the wee pooch further 😊😊

[@matepolcz]

Murray!!!

[@robwithdogoutdoors1438]

Will grab some of this to spray my trousers not had any on myself pulled a few off the dog (ears usually) ...vampire spiders ewww 😬

[@ScotlandsMountains]

I think I have had more ticks attach since we got our dog . The local woodlands seem to be more popular for the ticks than the high mountains!. I am very aware on local dog walks now - especially at this time of year now .. Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching ATB Murray