Can Ticks Go Through Clothing?
Ticks are known to be parasitic creatures that can spread many diseases, such as Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While most people are aware of this, very few people are actually aware of just how these nasty little insects can make their way onto your skin and clothes. That’s why it’s important to understand if and how ticks can move through clothing.
Can Ticks Go Through Clothing?
The short answer is, yes. As ticks are relatively small insects, it can be easy for them to find their way through your clothing. Here are a few ways they can do this:
- Ticks can attach to your clothing: If a tick jumps onto you to hitch a ride, it can attach to your clothing and make its way to your skin.
- Ticks may come through the openings in your clothing: Some clothing items that have buttons, pockets, or even strings, may be easily penetrated by a tick due to their small size.
- Ticks may crawl under clothes: If something as small and light as a tick can crawl under clothing without being noticed, it’s possible for them to make their way onto your skin.
Tips to Prevent Ticks from Getting Through Clothing
Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself when in tick-infested areas:
- Wear light-colored clothing. This makes it easier to spot a tick on your clothes, so you can immediately get it off.
- Tuck pants into socks. This will help create a barrier between your skin and the ticks in the environment.
- Shower within two hours after being outside. By taking a quick shower, it’s easier to spot and remove any ticks you may have picked up.
- Check your body for any ticks. Ticks like to hide in areas with less exposure, such as armpits, backs of knees, and sometimes in the scalp.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Can ticks go through clothing?” is yes. Ticks can come through the openings in your clothing, attach themselves to clothing and even crawl under clothes. To protect yourself, it’s best to wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, shower soon after coming home and thoroughly check your body for ticks.