Posted in Health

Lyme Disease & Natural Prevention: What Hikers and Active Families Need to Know

Author Jed Estimated read time 4 min read
brown spider on green leaf Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash

Lyme Disease & Outdoor Safety: What Every Hiker and Parent Needs to Know

Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to stay healthy, reconnect with nature, and build strong family bonds. Whether you’re hiking trails, camping with kids, or training for an endurance challenge like the Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon like I am, staying active is a core part of a healthy, natural lifestyle.

But with outdoor adventures comes the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas. As someone who prioritizes natural, homeopathic methods over pharmaceuticals and chemicals, I’ve researched how to naturally prevent ticks while keeping my family safe.

This post will cover information I’ve found:

  • What Lyme disease is and why it’s a concern.
  • Natural tick prevention strategies that don’t rely on DEET or chemicals.
  • How garlic and other natural remedies may help reduce tick bites.
  • Practical tips for hikers, families, and endurance athletes.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). It can cause serious health issues if left untreated, but not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease or infection.

According to the CDC and WebMD:
✔️ A tick must typically be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme bacteria.
✔️ Not all ticks carry Lyme disease—infection rates vary by region.
✔️ Early detection and removal significantly reduce the risk of illness.

Common early signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease include:

  • Bullseye-shaped rash around the bite site.
  • Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, muscle aches).
  • Joint pain or swelling.
  • Brain fog or headaches.

Since ticks are tiny and often go unnoticed, prevention is key, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Natural Tick Prevention: What Works?

Many people turn to DEET-based repellents, but if you prefer chemical-free alternatives, here are natural ways to keep ticks off:

1. Garlic: A Natural Tick Deterrent

I’ve taken garlic regularly for years for its numerous health benefits, and a bonus? Ticks don’t seem to like garlic.

  • Sulfur compounds in garlic may make your scent less appealing to ticks.
  • Some hikers take garlic supplements or eat fresh garlic to help reduce bites naturally.
  • While not foolproof, I’ve personally noticed fewer bites when consistently consuming garlic.

2. Essential Oils That Repel Ticks

Several plant-based oils are known to deter ticks naturally:

  • Lemon eucalyptus oil (EPA-approved alternative to DEET).
  • Geranium oil (a favorite among natural tick repellents).
  • Cedarwood oil (disrupts tick pheromones).

How to use:

  • Dilute a few drops in water or witch hazel and spray on clothing before hiking.
  • Apply to socks, hats, and backpack straps (since ticks often crawl up from the ground).

3. Clothing & Gear to Prevent Bites

Since ticks don’t jump or fly—they latch on as you brush against grass or leaves—dressing wisely can help:
✔️ Wear light-colored clothing (makes ticks easier to spot).
✔️ Tuck pants into socks in high-risk areas.
✔️ Consider permethrin-treated gear (while I avoid chemical repellents, some hikers swear by pre-treated socks and gaiters).

Post-Hike Tick Checks: Your Best Line of Defense

Even with the best prevention, checking for ticks is a wise choice:

✔️ Check behind knees, armpits, waistbands, and scalp.
✔️ Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors.
✔️ You can throw hiking clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.

For kids, making tick checks a habit after outdoor adventures can help them take charge of their own health.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Naturally

Spending time in nature shouldn’t come with fear of Lyme disease—it’s about being informed, prepared, and proactive. By focusing on natural prevention methods like garlic, essential oils, and smart hiking practices, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing risks.

As I continue prepping for my Rim-to-Rim hike, these strategies help keep my family safe, active, and connected to nature—without relying on chemicals.

What are your go-to natural tick repellents? Have you tried garlic or essential oils for prevention? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience!

Next in This Series:

➡️ “Hiking R2R in the Grand Canyon Over 40: My Plan to Reduce Inflammation and Aid Recovery“

Related