SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-tick-shower

After hiking in tick country, what can lower your chance of Lyme disease?

Showering within two hours of coming indoors helps.

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  1. Waiting until the next morning
  2. Showering within two hours ✔
  3. Using hot water only

Why: Showering soon after being outdoors may wash off ticks that have not attached yet, and it is a good time for a tick check.

Huh, didn't know that: Tumble drying dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes kills ticks on them.

The dad joke
Why did the hiker shower right after the hike? He wanted to tick all the boxes for Lyme prevention.
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References

Answer: Showering within two hours. Showering soon after being outdoors may wash off ticks that have not attached yet, and it is a good time for a tick check.

  1. CDC: Preventing Tick Bites www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html
    Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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