Forum Discussion

rbpru's avatar
rbpru
Explorer II
Apr 22, 2017

Chiggers and Spiders and Ticks. Oh my.

We took some time this week to check out Pennyrile State Resort in Kentucky. It is a very nice facility with a modest camp ground and large lodge and cabin facilities.

What we did not know was, this was also the annual tick and spider gathering.

These where not your good old Indiana ticks and spiders that you can see, these are those itty bitty fly speck ticks and just slightly larger spiders.

So my question is; what do my fellow RVers do when hiking, fishing or otherwise playing out of doors in 75 to 80 degree weather to keep them at bay?
  • Tiger4x4RV wrote:
    I've heard of chiggers, not sure we have them here.


    We don't. Mostly in the south, as in the deep south. You really can't see them unless you are really looking hard. Spent a couple of years in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Lots of them there. I basically never wandered into the bush. (more for fear of the snakes, then the chiggers and ticks). Any of them can ruin your day.
  • Long pants (I never wear shorts in the woods, if it's too hot to wear pants then I simply don't hike) and if going into really thick tick country a pyrethrin based spray or cream can be applied to the lower 4-6" if the pants. I've spent upwards of 20 percent of a year in the woods and never been bitten by anything worse than a mosquito or no-see-um.
  • 'OFF' and afterwards a good self inspection (or partners) then a hot shower.
  • Most of the insects down south will stay away from most of the major brand repellents. We usually spray on "Off".
  • I use various products from Sawyer, especially the time-release skin lotion and the spray which goes on your clothing. The latter lasts through several washings. You put it on the clothes while you are NOT wearing, then let them dry. Disclaimer: these have been effective against California bugs. I've heard of chiggers, not sure we have them here.