Save Your Feet (and the Rest of You) with Permethrin!
Tick-Repelling Medicine Offers Protection
Ever wondered why a seemingly innocuous piece of footwear can be a tick's pathway to a tasty feast? Enter our hero, the American entomologist Thomas Mather. With a career spanning over four decades, he's an expert on tick-borne diseases. In an interview with The Washington Times, Mather pointed out that a simple (and handy) measure for protection is monthly treatment of your footwear with permethrin.
Ticks: The Bottom-Up Approach
Ticks usually hitch a ride from beneath, be it grass, leaves, or bushes. So, they climb up from below and often make their first contact with your footwear. Nymphs and larvae, about the size of a poppy seed, attach unnoticed to the fabric and then crawl to your skin. So, Mather suggests focusing on where the tick might sneak up on you.
What's the Magic Product?
For the uninitiated, Belarusian pharmacies sell "Permethrin 0.5% spray," a drug primarily used to treat lice. It costs around 6-10 rubles (approximately 50 ml) and is sold without a prescription. This product contains the same concentration of permethrin (0.5%) that Thomas Mather recommends for tick repellent treatment of footwear and several other types of fabrics. Used correctly, it is safe and efficient at repelling parasites.
So, how do you give your footwear the permethrin touch?
- Conduct the treatment outdoors or on a balcony to avoid indoor contamination.
- Generously spray the product to dampen the entire surface of the footwear.
- Allow it to dry completely in the open air.
- Repeat once a month during the tick season.
Permethrin is suitable for all footwear types, from boots and sneakers to work shoes and even rubber boots, and it doesn’t harm fabric, leather, or rubber.
Important Precautions:
- Do not treat footwear indoors.
- Keep cats away from treated footwear until it is completely dry, as wet permethrin can be toxic to them.
What About Natural Remedies?
Lavender, cedar, or clove oils are popular choices for repelling ticks, but Mather has some reservations. He points out that these alternatives are less effective compared to permethrin or have a shortterm effect. There is yet no conclusive scientific evidence to support their reliability [1].
But hey, who's to stop you from wearing high socks and boots, tucking your pants into socks, or creating airtight clothing seals with belts, rubber bands, or tight fabrics? Registered repellents, walking in the center of the trail, avoiding tall grass and bushes, and inspecting yourself, kids, and pets once you're home are other essential measures too.
Hop to it! Time to put your best foot forward to keep those pesky ticks at bay.
- [1] Rutowski, B. H. (2017). Tick identification, habitat, and public health significance. MDPI, 2(2), 45.
- [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Tick repellents: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/repellents_insecticides/.
- [3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Outdoor activities: Safety measures and precautions. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/outdoors/Pages/Outdoor-Activities-Safety-Measures-and-Precautions.aspx
- [4] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Registered Permethrin Products. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/registration-active-ingredient-permethrin
- [5] Cleary, S. L. (2014). The behavior of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) on clothing and grooming animals. The Journal of medical entomology, 51(6), 997–1002.
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- Science has shown that ticks often use footwear as a means to reach human skin, highlighting the importance of precautions in the workplace-wellness realm.
- Chronic diseases like Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, are a pervasive medical concern, with thousands of cases reported each year.
- In the wake of growing concerns about chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and cancer, the need for effective tick repellents in the context of respiratory conditions and digestive health becomes evident.
- Eye health is another aspect that can be affected by tick-borne diseases, making preventive measures essential for overall health and wellness.
- Hearing loss and other auditory issues have been found to be associated with certain medical conditions, including some that are linked to tick bites.
- Fitness and exercise play a crucial role in boosting the immune system, rendering the body better equipped to combat illnesses caused by ticks or other parasites.
- Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, requires early detection and proper treatment, as does autoimmune disorders, making timely tick protection paramount for neurological disorders.
- Climate change has been linked to an increased risk of ticks and other parasites thriving in various regions, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures in environmental science.
- The global push towards renewable energy and green industries involves sustainability efforts not limited to energy production, as demonstrated by the demand for tick repellents that do not harm the environment.
- Manufacturing processes can inadvertently expose workers to conditions conducive to tick reproduction, emphasizing the importance of workplace-wellness initiatives in the sector.
- Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, can be exacerbated by the stress of dealing with medical conditions or chronic diseases, making it even more important to prioritize wellness and prevention.
- Skin care plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy barrier against parasites, making tick repellents an essential component of skin-care regimens.
- Various therapies and treatments exist to manage symptoms of tick-borne diseases and other chronic medical conditions, making tick prevention an integral part of personal health care.
- Proper nutrition is vital for supporting the immune system and overall health, thus enhancing the body's natural defenses against diseases transmitted by ticks.
- Multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and migraine are among the autoimmune disorders and skin conditions that can be influenced by various factors, including exposure to parasites like ticks.
- Cardiovascular health is intertwined with the body's overall ability to fend off infections and diseases, making it imperative to consider the impact of tick-borne diseases on heart health.
- The oil and gas industry, aviation, and automotive sectors all involve transportation, increasing the likelihood of tick exposure as workers traverse various terrain types.
- Public transit systems can also carry ticks, underscoring the importance of prevention measures for individuals who frequently use these services.
- Entrepreneurship encourages innovation in the creation of effective tick repellents and other solutions for the prevention and management of tick-borne diseases.
- Transportation infrastructure development projects, such as those in the retail sector, should prioritize diversity and inclusion in their design to ensure equal access to protection against tick-borne diseases.
- The finance industry, in addition to banking and insurance, can support investments in tick-prevention research and development, thereby driving innovation in the health and wellness space.
- Energy-efficient buildings and greener commercial properties can contribute to the overall environment Friendliness, further underscoring the importance of renewable energy in the context of tick repellent development.
- The skin and eyes might be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, further highlighting the need for effective tick repellents in the context of space and astronomy research.
- The oil and gas industry, while important for energy production, poses risks related to tick exposure due to its widespread activities, making it crucial to prioritize workplace-wellness initiatives in this sector.
- The retail sector, particularly for clothing and footwear, can play a pivotal role in promoting tick-repellent products, thereby contributing to public health and safety.
- Leadership in business and government entities should prioritize diversity, inclusion, and knowledge sharing regarding the risks posed by ticks and the availability of effective repellents, fostering a culture of wellness for communities worldwide.
