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Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information.

When you first start camping, it’s not easy to know what you will need. Plus, you have to decide which items you should buy, and what you can rent or borrow from your own household supplies. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of gear that you should take on any camping trip, whether you’re car camping or backpacking.

Of course, these aren’t necessarily the only things you might want to carry, but these essentials will put you on the path toward a successful camping trip. You can rent most of the equipment here, but if you plan to start camping regularly, some things (like a good tent and water bottles) are worth the investment.

1. Tent

A good shelter is critical because it will protect you from the elements and keep you dry, warm, and comfortable.

What to look for:

• Elbow Room If bad weather hits, you might huddle inside your tent for hours, so choose a shelter that’s not cramped and has enough space for each person. Before you buy, crawl inside the tent to check the floor length and ceiling height. Can you sit up straight? Can the tallest person in your party stretch out completely?
• Three-season shelter For spring, summer, and fall camping (as well as winter in Alabama), go for a “three-season” shelter, which typically has a tent body, a rainfly, and mesh panels, which provide critical ventilation and prevent the interior from getting stuffy and damp.
• Camping with kids If you’re car camping with small kids, you can go big with a cabin-style tent that’s designed to sleep a specified number of people. Consider getting older kids their own decent-sized tent for more space and privacy.
• Weight If you are car camping, weight doesn’t really matter. For backpacking, choose a tent that’s relatively lightweight, with a “packed weight” that’s two pounds or less per person. For example, if two people will carry the tent, aim for a packed weight that’s four pounds total or less.
• Important extras A two-door tent will allow you to exit without crawling over a partner, and larger vestibules provide storage for packs and dirty boots.

2. Sleeping Bag

A good sleeping bag is just as important as a good tent—if you’re miserable and can’t sleep, you won’t enjoy your trip.

What to look for:

• Temperature rating Bags are rated to be comfortable in a certain temperature range, so look for one that handles the coolest temps you’ll face. Keep in mind the listed rating is an estimate, and you have to factor in whether you sleep hot or cold. If you tend to be cold, buy a bag that is 10 or 15 degrees warmer than the lowest temperature you’ll encounter. Or, buy a bag liner to add warmth.
• Rectangular vs. mummy For mild climates, where temperatures don’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use a less expensive rectangular bag. For colder conditions, choose a mummy shaped bag, which hugs your body to eliminate pockets where cold air can accumulate. If you are backpacking, mummy bags are a better choice because they are lighter and less bulky.
• Gender-specific bags Top brands offer bags with torso and hip areas tailored to fit a man or woman. Also, avoid a bag that’s too long, because if there’s lots of empty air space in the foot area, you’ll get colder.
• Synthetic vs. down insulation If you need to save money, buy a bag with synthetic insulation, rather than down. Synthetic insulation bags are sometimes heavier and bulkier, but are still lightweight enough for backpacking, will keep you warm if they get wet from rain. While traditional down bags won’t insulate well when they’re wet, they’re lighter than synthetic models and compress more to occupy less pack space. On down bags, you’ll also see a “fill-power” number, from 600 to 900. The higher the number, the warmer, lighter (and more expensive) the bag.

3. Sleeping pad/mattress

A sleeping pad or mattress is crucial because it puts a layer of cushioning and insulating air between your body and the cold, hard ground.

What to look for:

• Comfort For car camping, go as plush as you’d like and get the thickest, most comfy air mattress or pad that you can stuff into your tent. If you have an inflatable mattress for guests in your house, you could make that work. But backpackers need a lightweight, durable pad that’s either inflatable or made of foam. Most high-quality, lightweight pads range in thickness from 0.75—3 inches. If you tend to be uncomfortable when sleeping on a floor, go for an inflatable pad that’s two inches or more in thickness.
• Insulated pads If you sleep cold, or you plan to camp frequently in really cold climates, consider getting an inflatable pad that includes insulation.
• Pad weight With inflatable pads, keep in mind that you’ll pay more for models that are super lightweight. If you don’t need a really thick pad and you’re more concerned with reducing your backpack weight, get a pad made of dense foam. It will not only weigh weigh less, but also be more durable and cost less.

4. Cooking Supplies

Obviously, a stove is crucial for preparing tasty meals, but it can also be used to purify water and make warm drinks to keep your core temperature up in cold climates. That being said, ask yourself these three questions when shopping for a stove—will you be car camping or backpacking? Will you actually cook, or just boil water for freeze-dried meals? And how many people will rely on the stove for meals?

What to look for:

• Car camping vs. backpacking For car camping, a large dual-burner propane stove will hold multiple pots and simmer well, so you can prepare more complex meals for several people at once. For backpacking, get a lightweight liquid-fuel stove, canister stove, or integrated canister system.
• Liquid-fuel stoves operate more efficiently than canister stoves in cold weather, but they’re a bit heavier, messier, and are more difficult to operate.
• Canister stoves are best for cooking in moderate conditions, because they’re lightweight, easy to use, and typically allow you to fine-tune the flame and simmer.
• Integrated canister systems are best for trips where you’ll eat only freeze-dried food. Outfitted with heat-exchange systems, they transfer heat from the burner to the cook pot efficiently and boil water in a couple of minutes, but these systems don’t usually simmer well.
• Don’t forget utensils Newcomers to camping can save money by using their own kitchen supplies, such as plastic cutlery, bowls, and cups. For backpacking, invest in lightweight pots made for the outdoors. Because kitchen items get dinged up while camping, you’ll eventually want to replace your home items with durable products that you only use outdoors.

5. Knife

Whether you need to slice potatoes, cut nylon cord or spread cream cheese on a bagel, you’re eventually going to need a knife or multi-tool for camping.

What to look for:

• Car camping You’ll mostly use a knife for food prep, just make sure that you wrap or cover the blade. Also pack a fixed blade knife, folding knife, or multi-tool (such as a Leatherman) for utility situations.
• Backpacking A lightweight folding knife or multi-tool with a blade will work for prepping meals or doing random jobs, like cutting cord to make a tent guyline. If you do get a folding knife, make sure that the main blade locks into place when you’re using it.
• Scissors If your first-aid kit doesn’t include scissors, get a knife or multi-tool with small scissors to cut moleskin for treating those blisters.

6. Headlamp/Lantern

Lights not only allow you move around and do things in the dark, but can also serve as signal devices in emergency situations.

What to look for:

• Headlamp A headlamp will allow you to keep your hands free when it’s dark, whether you’re eating, answering nature’s call, or scrambling over rocks. For general use around camp, most headlamps on the market will perform just fine, but if you spend about $30 or more, you can get a more durable headlamp with greater “lumens” (how brightly it glows) and more beam distance, which is helpful for climbing and hiking in darkness.
• Lantern Whether you’re car camping or backpacking, it’s helpful to have a battery-powered lantern for common eating areas and the interior of your tent. With the soft glow from a lantern, you can eat or read without blinding fellow campers. While most people are familiar with large battery powered lanterns, be aware that a slew of lightweight backpacking lanterns have hit the market in recent years.

7. Water Bottle

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “hydrate or die”? It’s essential that you have something to hold water and other drinks while camping, whether you use bottles or a hydration reservoir (or both).

What to look for:

• Bottles For decades, campers and backpackers have relied on durable plastic water bottles, which are not only handy for drinking, but also for filtering water and pouring liquids while cooking. In recent years, the bottle markets has exploded, and you’ll find hundreds of shapes and styles made of glass, steel and rugged plastic. For car camping, steel or plastic works fine, but backpackers will want plastic to reduce weight.
• Hydration reservoir When you’re walking or biking, it’s more convenient to use a hydration reservoir. It’s basically a bag of water with a tube that goes over your shoulder, so you don’t have to stop or reach to get some water. Some backpacks come with them, or you can just slide them in. For backpacking, get a reservoir that holds 2 or 3 liters, so you don’t’ have to refill it as often. Also, if you use a reservoir, consider taking a bottle as well for filtering and food prep. To save space in your pack, get a collapsible plastic bottle.

8. Camp Chair

After you sit for a few minutes on a bench or the hard ground, you’ll wish you’d brought some type of camp chair.

What to look for:

• Car camping For your first trip, use any kind of chair that you might use at the beach or tailgate parties. If you want to up your comfort level, invest in a high-quality chair that’s made of mesh or breathable material, which will prevent swamp butt and back. A built-in cup holder will keep ants out of your drink.
• Backpacking For many backpackers, a lightweight chair or chair kit makes a trip so much more comfortable that it’s worth toting the extra weight. While some companies make collapsible fabric and aluminum backpacking chairs, the lightest option is a kit, or fabric sleeve, that allows you to transform a sleeping pad into a chair. Typically, these kits weigh 7—13 ounces.

9. First Aid Supplies

Cuts, stings and other pains are common while camping, so you should always pack a first aid kit.

What to look for:

There are a couple options—you can build your own kit, or buy a pre-assembled kit. Pre-assembled kits can actually be less expensive, and some include helpful tips.

To choose the right kit, consider how long you will be out in the wilderness, how many people are going with you, and any special needs of your group (allergies, etc.). At most outdoor stores you’ll find a wide range of kits from super-lightweight pouches for solo travelers, to beefy family kits. Whether you build your own, or buy a kit, bring extra moleskin or other products to address blisters.

Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Featured image provided by James Dziezynski

Make camping a fun experience from the very beginning, and they’ll be hooked for life!

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information.

Did you switch out the car seats into the SUV? Did you pack sunscreen? What about bug spray? Oh shoot, we need to bring Lil’ Bear or else Ella will be in full-on riot mood at bedtime.

All parents know how difficult it can be to just get out the door for family outings, and sometimes the challenges associated with having young children can feel very restrictive for active, adventurous families. But fear not! Once your little groms get to the toddler stage there are very few trips that you can’t do. In fact, regular camping trips at the crag, river, or up in the mountains will do wonders for the whole family. Just make sure you take lots of photos to capture the look on those innocent eyes the first time they peer into a campfire, see wildlife, and wake up in a beautiful natural setting and realize that the biggest playground in the world is waiting just outside their tent.

Here are seven tips to ensure that your family camping trip runs smoothly, leaving everyone in with a big smile and hatching plans for your next adventure.

1. Practice Makes Perfect

Before you take that two-hour drive up to the mountains, it’s wise to do a trial run in your backyard. You can make sure your tent and other gear is in good shape, figure out (or remember) how to set it up without headache, and to see how the little one(s) do with a night of camping. Any hiccups can easily be remedied by simply heading back inside, and then you can plan accordingly for the real trip.

2. Planning and Preparing for “the Trip”

There’s nothing more exciting to little kids than helping mommy and daddy plan something big. It makes them feel important and creates buy-in on their part. With that said, give them options of where to camp and what activities to do while out there and see what interests them the most.

Involve them in the packing—have them stuff their sleeping bags, pack their daypacks, and help plan the menu. Allow them to take a toy or two instead of being firm on the issue that nature provides the best toys (they will figure that out on their own). Show them how to double check gear. These are all good lessons and will help make your kids more self-sufficient at an earlier age.

And above else, always go heavy on the snacks. More snacks equals more fun.

3. Choose a Fun Campground

The goal of camping (especially for the first time) is to reel them in and give them a lifelong love of the outdoors, right? So when you are planning where to stay, look for a place with lots of fun. For example, Horse Pens 40 in Steele, Alabama, is known for bouldering. While your kids might be too young to chalk up, hundreds of boulders from truck size to house size create a rock labyrinth that will provide your kids with endless hours of excitement. Or, fish, hike, bike, and geocache to your heart’s content at the local favorite Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville.

If you and your kids are up for a real adventure, hike to the 100+ foot DeSoto Falls at DeSoto Falls State Park, or climb the tallest peak in Alabama at Cheaha State Park in the Talladega National Forest.

4. Create a Buzz About the Trip

Build up the excitement as you inch closer to the camping date. Find a few videos of some of the activities you might do while out there. Explain to kids what s’mores, banana boats, and open fire cooking is all about.

Go outside one night to look at the stars and explain to them that where you’ll be camping will be even darker at night and that they will be able to see the stars and moon even brighter out there—and if they are lucky they might just see a shooting star.

Play around with your gear at the house. Have everyone one night play hide and seek with their headlamps on. Trust me on this, if you make your kids think that the lead up to the trip is as fun as the actual trip, they will be sold for life. It’s all about making memories.

5. Combine Efforts With Friends and Families

The only thing better than a successful camping trip for kids, is a successful camping trip with other kids their age. Invite another family or two who have kids the same age as yours to camp with you, have each of your kids bring their best friend to go camping with you, or invite cousins to come out. This helps make things easier and can help to reduce the inevitable sibling fighting that will take place at some time during the trip.

Just make sure that you don’t go overboard on the number of kids and keep the adult to kid ratio close. Too many kids and not enough adults can be a recipe for one big headache.

6. Bring the Bikes

Bikes will prove handy when heading from your camp to the lake, the river, or the trailhead. Not to mention, campgrounds are some of the best places for kids to rally their bike around without worrying about vehicles. Their bikes become a vehicle for exploration and the entire campground becomes an adventure.

To watch “Little Johnny” race, make up obstacle courses, and practice skids around the campground makes you realize that this is why you brought them out here. It’s a beautiful thing to see your little ones not ask for the tablet for once and instead move from one activity to the next.

7. Stay Flexible and Adapt

You can pretty much count on the fact that things won’t go exactly as planned, so always have a backup plan to the backup plan. Don’t sweat the small things and instead just go with the flow, letting the kids dictate the pace of the day.

If you are really craving that solo trail run, bike ride, or quick fishing fix, then take it and make sure you come back ready to cater to the family. After all, family camping trips are meant to build family memories and are more about making sure the kids have a good time so that they want to do more of it in the future.

Before you know it, Little Johnny and Little Ella will be the best adventure partners you’ve ever had and they will be the one dragging you out for off the beaten path adventures. Things will come full circle and you’ll look back on those early memories and smile and think to yourself, “yup, we did ok.”

Written by Joe DeGaetano for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information. Ready to get back outdoors this Spring but do not know where to start? Below we have the beginner’s guide to car camping which will set you up easily for a season of adventures!

If you don’t have much camping experience, you’re not alone. Over the past 20 years, fewer kids have been introduced to the outdoors, so a declining number of people have grown up camping with family and friends. It’s no surprise, then, that many adults these days have never pitched a tent or cooked over a camp stove.

If you’d like to start camping, but aren’t sure where to begin, car camping in a state park is a great first step. When you camp in a park close to your vehicle, you can enjoy the outdoors without having to rough it too much.

At most state parks, you’ll have access to toilets and hot showers, so you’ll feel a little more comfortable about being in a primitive environment. With a vehicle, you’re not limited by weight, and you can pack in roomy tents, tasty food, and other creature comforts that help people ease into camping.

With your vehicle serving as a safety net, you can also learn the ropes and make mistakes without dire consequences. If you forget to pack something, or a piece of gear breaks, you can just drive back to town for more supplies.

If car camping sounds like your kind of adventure, this quick start guide includes more info on the benefits of car camping, and offers tips on picking a destination, preparing for the trip and packing the necessary gear.

The Case for Car Camping

If you aren’t even sure if car camping is for you in the first place, here are four reasons that might convince you otherwise:

1. There’s more room for error.

If you hike deep into the backcountry and something goes awry, you often have to just deal with it. But, car camping allows you to deal with mistakes in the outdoors more easily. If you forget to pack something or completely scorch dinner, you can usually drive down the road a few miles and find more provisions. Also, car camping is a good opportunity to become familiar with gear and perfect your systems. If you discover one night in camp that your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough, you can grab an extra blanket that you’ve packed in the car.

2. “Roughing it” doesn’t have to be so rough.

Some people like the outdoors, but cringe at the idea of going without a shower or indoor plumbing. At most state park campsites, you can camp near a bathhouse (aka “comfort station”) with toilets and hot showers. Because your car allows you to haul more weight, you can also bring large inflatable mattresses and cots, so you don’t have to sleep on a thinner sleeping pad. Also, some tent-camping sites include electric outlets, so you can plug in a fan to cool down a tent on a hot summer night.

3. You can relax.

Some people relieve stress by strapping 40 pounds to their back and hiking for miles in remote wilderness. To others, that sounds like a lot of work. With car camping, your retreat won’t tax you physically, unless you tack on a long side hike or bike ride on a park trail. Because car camping requires minimal physical exertion, you don’t have to be super fit or strong to enjoy it, and small children can have fun, too.

4. You can mix in extra activities

Your campsite can serve as a home base for all sorts of day trips. In most state parks, you’ll have easy access to hiking and biking trails or lakes and streams. For daytime entertainment, you can walk in the woods, hop on a mountain bike, or go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

Where to Go

Ranging from north Alabama to the Gulf Coast, Alabama’s state parks include a wide variety of car camping sites, whether you’re looking for a mountain retreat, or a spot near a lake, a stream, or even the ocean.

Many parks offer a variety of campsites, including full hookup sites that provide water, electricity, and sewer for RVs and other types of campers. At some parks, you can pitch a tent in a full hookup site, or choose a less expensive tent-only site (which often has electricity and water). Plus, more parks now have primitive campgrounds with sites that have a picnic table and fire ring, but few other amenities. Typically, tent-only sites and primitive campgrounds will offer more privacy and peace and quiet.

To research parks and book reservations, visit alapark.com. With some parks, you can see what’s available and reserve a campsite online, but others require you to book by phone. Just remember that it’s best to book several months in advance, as campsites go quickly, especially for the summer, weekends, and holidays.

Any of these parks would be a great choice for a car camping experience:

DeSoto State Park

Located on Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, DeSoto State Park has 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, an abundance of waterfalls, and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on Little River. The park’s Improved Campground includes 94 full hookup sites and two nearby comfort stations with restrooms, showers, and a coin laundry. Tents are allowed at these sites, which also have picnic tables and grills.

Monte Sano State Park

Situated atop 1,600-foot Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville, this 2,400-acre state park has scenic overlooks, 22 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus quick access to more trails on adjacent land trust property. Also, the vast picnic area includes a large playground. In the park’s main campground you’ll find 89 campsites, including 15 full hookup sites and dozens of others with water and electricity.

Cheaha State Park

Located at an elevation of 2,407 feet on Cheaha Mountain, Cheaha State Park has four miles of trails that lead to amazing views, waterfalls, and rock climbing areas. Plus, you can swim in a six-acre lake that includes a beach with a playground. Adjacent to the park you’ll have access to longer hikes on the Pinhoti Trail, Odum Scout Trail, and Chinnabee Silent Trail. At the Improved Campground, all 72 sites have water, sewer and electrical hook-ups, plus picnic tables, grills and access to bathhouses. In the Semi-Primitive campground, sites have picnic tables, a fire ring, communal water spigots and access to bathhouses. Plus, you’re within walking distance to hiking trails and the pool. At the Primitive Campground, there’s no electricity or picnic table, but there is a fire ring, community water faucet and bathroom.

Gulf State Park

Rather than rent an expensive condo, you can car camp just 1.5 miles from the beaches at Gulf Shores. At Gulf State Park there are 496 improved campsites with water, sewer, electricity, a picnic table, grill, and access to 11 bathhouses and two playgrounds. Tucked into the trees there are also 11 primitive campsites that include stone campfire rings, grill tops, picnic tables and access to bathhouses, playgrounds and laundry facilities. Just be aware that summertime is probably not ideal for tent camping here, as it’s very hot, and conditions are more favorable in the late fall, winter and early spring.

Lake Guntersville State Park

A beautiful 69,000-acre lake is your backdrop when you camp at Lake Guntersville State Park or the neighboring Town Creek Fishing Center. In the park, you can fish, go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, or hike 36 miles of trails. In the park’s main campground there are 295 improved campsites with electrical hookups, picnic table, grill and fire ring. Plus, there are bathhouses and a playground. You’ll find more campsites along the water at the Town Creek Fishing Center, which also offers bathhouses and boat rentals.

What to Take

While prepping for your first trip, keep in mind that you don’t have to break the bank to be sufficiently outfitted (and you can rent some things, too). While you should invest in a few key items, you can also incorporate things you already have around the house.

Tent: Opt for a tent that provides good elbow room, rather than a shelter that’s small and cramped. This will give people room to store clothing and a few extras, plus you’ll be more comfortable if you have to stay in the tent for a long time during a storm. Cabin-style tents are great for families with small kids, but if you have older kids, consider providing them their own modest-sized tents for space and privacy.

Sleeping systems: Ensure that sleeping bags are rated to handle the coolest temperatures that you’ll encounter. If you’re not ready to invest in bags, consider renting them. Also, pack foam or inflatable sleeping pads to protect you from the cold, hard ground. For ultimate comfort, bring an inflatable air mattress, and pack extra blankets in case someone gets cold. Since you’ll have room in the car, pack your own pillow.

First-Aid Kit: You can build your own kit from store-bought items, but pre-assembled kits can actually be less expensive, and some include helpful guides that explain how to use the contents. To choose the right kit, you need to consider the length of your outing, how many people the kit will serve, and the particular needs of people in the group. At most outdoor stores, you’ll find a wide range of kits from super-lightweight pouches for solo travelers, to beefy family kits.

Camp Kitchen: Save money by using your own kitchen supplies for your first trip. When you’ve planned your menu, fill a plastic storage container with necessary items, like a skillet, cook pots, pasta strainer, plastic bowls, plates and cutlery, a kitchen knife (with sheath) for food prep, a spatula, measuring cup, and insulated mugs for hot drinks. Because kitchen items get dinged up while camping, you’ll eventually want to buy extra skillets, pots, etc., so you don’t wreck things you need for your home.

Headlamps & Lanterns: Invest in a headlamp for each camper, so people can keep their hands free as they move around in the dark. For general use around camp, most headlamps on the market will perform just fine. For car camping, it’s helpful to have a battery powered lantern for common eating areas and the interior of your tent. With the soft glow from a lantern, you can eat, play games, or locate items without draining headlamp batteries or blinding your tent-mates.

Toiletries & Extras : For the bathhouse, pack a washcloth, towels, shower shoes, personal hygiene items, plus extra toilet paper.

Toolbox: Pack a toolbox or plastic container with utility items, such as a rubber hammer to drive in tent stakes, extra tent stakes, a mattress pump, and repair kits for tents and sleeping pads.

Day packs: Bring along small packs for hikes and other day trips.

Etiquette Tips

Just because you’re new to this camping thing, doesn’t mean you want everyone else to know it. Here are a few tips that will make you seem like a seasoned camper.

Quiet hours: Most campgrounds have quiet hours, so be a good neighbor and honor these rules. In some campgrounds, people play music and watch TVs, but you should avoid flooding the campground with unwanted noise.

Keep your campsite clean: Put trash in appropriate containers and avoid leaving food out in your campsite. Otherwise, you’ll ants and unwanted animals, such as raccoons and mice.

Pet etiquette: Check to make sure that pets are allowed in the campground. In most cases, a dog must be on a leash.

Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Learn the steps to protect yourself from Lyme disease contracted from ticks.

Please note: due to local and state guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, some information below may not be accurate. Before you travel and plan your next adventure, make sure to check each business/park/campsite for any closures or guidelines and for the most up to date information. Enjoy your next Spring hike well prepared to ward off the critters!

In Alabama, the springtime brings so many wonderful things, like wildflowers and warm, breezy air. But, it also brings something that literally bugs us—ticks. Lots and lots of ticks. When we hike this time of year, we always end our day with a “tick check” to make sure no uninvited guests have hitched a ride.

In recent years, an increasing number of people in the United States have contracted Lyme disease from ticks, and spring and summer are the peak seasons for ticks. To help you stay healthy, we’ve highlighted important info about ticks and some advice to help you avoid these blood-sucking creatures..

Know The Enemy

The first step is to know what types of ticks are common where you live or where you plan to be outdoors. There are many species of ticks in the United States—wood ticks, dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, Blacklegged ticks (a.k.a. deer ticks)— and they carry different diseases. If blacklegged ticks aren’t common in your area, then you’re at a lower risk of getting Lyme disease. You can determine the types of ticks in your neck of the woods and the current level of tick activity by visiting (www.tickencounter.org). Plus, the site has a helpful Tick Identification Chart.

Perform Daily Tick Checks

The best time to do a tick check is when you get back home, or get back to camp—basically, when you can strip down and look carefully at your entire body in decent light. There’s even a Tickencounter app to help you know where on your body to search for ticks.

Treat Clothes with Tick Repellent

Ticks don’t fly or fall from trees—they crawl up, and they want to feed on blood around the head, neck, and ears of their host where the skin is thinner and hosts have more trouble grooming. So, your prevention strategy should begin from the ground up. Nymphal deer ticks—the ones the size of poppy seeds—hide in leaves, so they’ll crawl up from the ground. To avoid them, treat your shoes with Permethrin bug repellent.

Lone Star tick nymphs hang out a bit higher than the leaves, and they’ll crawl up your legs, so use Permethrin spray to treat the inside of pants or shorts, or get clothes pre-treated with a repellent like Insect Shield. Keep in mind that ticks are more likely to walk up the inside than the outside of your shorts. If a tick rubs against permethrin for five to 30 seconds, it will likely get a dose that causes it to fall off and eventually die.

Remove Ticks with Tweezers

Use pointed tweezers to remove a tick as if you were removing a splinter. Try to grab the mouthparts right next to the skin. Don’t try to kill it by squashing it, because that will push germs to the front end of the tick, which is attached to your skin. Also, things like hot matches and Vaseline don’t work as consistently as tweezers.

Protect Your Pet

If you hike with your dog, be sure to check your pet for ticks before you hop back into your car, as ticks can latch onto fur or your dog’s skin and hitch a ride into your home. You can remove ticks from your pet using tweezers, and you might consider treating your pet with a product that can kill ticks or make them detach quickly.

Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.