With spring in full swing, the Tennessee Department of Health is urging residents to protect themselves from tick bites — and with Tims Ford State Park drawing hikers and families across the region this time of year, the reminder hits close to home.

Ticks are most commonly found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas — exactly the kind of terrain that makes Tims Ford’s trails so appealing. Staying on marked paths rather than wandering into the brush is one of the simplest ways to reduce exposure while still enjoying everything the park has to offer.

Beyond that, health officials recommend treating boots, socks, and outdoor clothing with 0.5% permethrin and letting everything dry for two to four hours before heading out. Unlike standard repellents, permethrin is an acaricide — it actually kills ticks on contact rather than just discouraging them. A single application typically holds up through six washes, and factory-treated clothing can last up to 70.

For skin protection, repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are all effective options. Parents should note that OLE-based products are not recommended for children under 3. If you’re also applying sunscreen, put it on first and follow with the repellent.

When you come back inside, do a thorough tick check — clothing, hair, and scalp included — and shower within two hours. Ticks that haven’t attached yet can often be rinsed away before they become a problem.

The concern is real: tick-borne illnesses common in Tennessee include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and alpha-gal syndrome. Caught early, bacterial infections like these are treatable with antibiotics — but symptoms can escalate quickly if left unaddressed.

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