Ticks - Blacktail in CA and PNW

[bohntr]

The CA Columbian Blacktail I arrowed last week didn’t have many ticks, but the fleas were insane! Hate those little buggers

 

[Rangerpants]

Get a prescription for doxycycline from your doc. If you get a tick bite, take 2 pills and it can knock out any incoming Lyme's infections. I just asked for a bottle as a prophylactic and my doctor prescribed me 20 or so. I've had occasion to dose twice since then, but it really give me peace of mind!

 

[Lou (Louis)]

Get a prescription for doxycycline from your doc. If you get a tick bite, take 2 pills and it can knock out any incoming Lyme's infections. I just asked for a bottle as a prophylactic and my doctor prescribed me 20 or so. I've had occasion to dose twice since then, but it really give me peace of mind!

With all due respect, 2 at once only won’t do it.
1 twice daily for 10-14 days.
/pharmacist

 

[Rangerpants]

With all due respect, 2 at once only won’t do it.
1 twice daily for 10-14 days.
/pharmacist

What I have been told from a couple doctors is that the info you presented if for a known or suspected case (positive test, bullseye rash, joint pain, fever following a bite, etc.). At that point, the 10-14 day treatment (some say 21 days, I understand) is absolutely the right course.

What I am talking about is an immediate prophylactic dose after any tick bite, as soon as the bite is discovered and way before any symptoms would start or testing could confirm infection. My brother went to a lymes specialist and I spoke with my family doc, and they both agreed the 2 pills taken at that point head off possible infections before they have a chance to get a foothold.

I know lymes treatments and research is an evolving thing, but this certainly can't hurt and may help stop some bad outcomes for folks. It definitely give me peace of mind.

 

[Lou (Louis)]

What I have been told from a couple doctors is that the info you presented if for a known or suspected case (positive test, bullseye rash, joint pain, fever following a bite, etc.). At that point, the 10-14 day treatment (some say 21 days, I understand) is absolutely the right course.

What I am talking about is an immediate prophylactic dose after any tick bite, as soon as the bite is discovered and way before any symptoms would start or testing could confirm infection. My brother went to a lymes specialist and I spoke with my family doc, and they both agreed the 2 pills taken at that point head off possible infections before they have a chance to get a foothold.

I know lymes treatments and research is an evolving thing, but this certainly can't hurt and may help stop some bad outcomes for folks. It definitely give me peace of mind.

You can't do that intermittently, though. That is the classic way for infections to become antibiotic resistant.
FWIW

 

[fishinnut30]

I agree with all the comments about Gators. Haven't had a tick since I started wearing mine. Even when we go on hikes and berry picking.

 

[COLD SMOKE]

I know CA has some super early blacktail seasons, but depending on weapon choice in the PNW(I am assuming you’re referring to western Oregon and Washington) most seasons are late enough that ticks don’t seem to be a problem. For me spring and summer are tick season, but when fall rolls around I never seem to have any issues


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Central gold country foohills here at 3k elevation.
I see ticks on all the deer that I’ve killed in rifle ( sept 20- Nov 1 ) but I rarely get ticks on myself that time of year. Usually just a couple on the underside.

Early winter rains ( Nov-Jan) they really come out. Mostly on my dog but occasionally I’ll have one on myself. Shower after being in tick town and check yourself with a mirror if you can have your wife look. What others said, a good barrier will keep them out. Gaiters, tuck your pants, and a baclava help.

If you get one smother it in alcohol for 15 seconds. Then carefully pull it out. It will release way easier.