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I was bitten by little nymph/larval (not sure which) ticks on Bay Trail in Mountain View, CA. Had to stop riding my bicycle there (which I absolutely loved) bec

I was bitten by little nymph/larval (not sure which) ticks on Bay Trail in Mountain View, CA. Had to stop riding my bicycle there (which I absolutely loved) because I just can't afford to be debilitated by Lyme's disease. I've become violently genocidal towards these little bloodsuckers. If it was up to me, I'd wipe them out with almost any means, and at whatever cost ;-) After looking into the anti-tick options I actually started fantasizing about some kind of super lightweight "earth suit" (like an astronaut's space suit). Something that you could put on, fully seal yourself in, and then just enjoy the outdoors with reckless abandon. I know it sounds a bit crazy but I think it could potentially be a transformative way of exploring the outdoors. I love the idea of being rattlesnake/tick/spider/thorn-proof. I could sleep outdoors in the middle of fields, under trees, in puddles, etc.

jerkstate 7y ago
FWIW, lyme disease is exceedingly rare on the west coast..
- deleted 7y ago
  [deleted]
- staunch 7y ago
  Yes, but there are other infectious diseases spread by ticks. And most importantly, I really don't want to be one of the unlucky few! https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/index.html
flurdy 7y ago
You could wear a wet suit, taped with some gaffer tape, thick balaclava, etc. It might not stop leaches but will reduce the chance of ticks and most other bites. But you would also sweat a lot and generally be quite uncomfortable. Tradeoffs... Though I am nearly there when I go for walks in mosquito country. Big hat, with netting all around, socks half way up my legs, trousers stuck well inside them... I do really hate ticks. Ruins summers for me.