If you haven’t discovered Sawyer insect repellents, you’re seriously missing out. This stuff is the gold standard for families who want protection that actually works—without smelling like a chemical factory or ruining your cute summer outfits.

Here’s how to use their products like a pro:

🧴Topical Skin Repellent

Sawyer’s Picaridin lotion or spray is my go-to for everyone in the family—even the picky kid who complains about “weird smells.” It’s safe, non-greasy, and repels both mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours. Yes, please.

👚 Fabric Repellent (Game Changer!)

Spray Sawyer Permethrin on your clothes, shoes, socks, hats—whatever you’ll be wearing outside—and you’ll be protected for up to 6 weeks or 6 washes. Even better? The insects die after contact, not just repel. Savage.

This stuff is perfect for:

• Hiking gear
• Backyard gardening outfits
• Summer camp gear for the kids
• Dog bandanas (because Fido deserves protection too!)

Pro Tip: Treat your sneakers and socks. Ticks love to hitch a ride from the ground up.

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Tick Prevention 101 (New England Edition)

Ticks in New England are basically inevitable, but Lyme disease doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to stay ahead of the little buggers:

✅ Wear light-colored clothes so you can spot ticks easily
✅ Tuck your pants into your socks (yes, you’ll look ridiculous—but it’s a vibe called “still healthy in September”)
✅ Do full-body tick checks after coming inside, especially on the kids and pets
✅ Keep your lawn trimmed and the play area away from the woods
✅ Use Sawyer Permethrin on all your outdoor gear and clothes
✅ Don’t let your kids walk out of the house without their “tick bandanas“ like the tiny wilderness warriors they are

🕷️ Found a Tick? Here’s EXACTLY What to Do (and What NOT to Do)

Okay, deep breath. You found a deer tick attached to you. It’s not ideal, but you’re not doomed. Here’s your action plan:

✅ DO:

✔ Use a Tick Twister or fine-tipped tweezers to gently UNSCREW the tick—slow and steady wins this race. Get close to the skin and twirl the Tick Twister (or tweezers) clockwise until the tick comes off. You NEVER want to pull a deer tick straight out. (Pulling a dog tick off straight out is fine.)
✔ Clean the area with soap and water, then use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Let dry.
✔ Apply black drawing salve to help draw out any gunk and reduce inflammation.
✔ Dab with lavender essential oil to soothe the bite.
✔ Save the tick! Place it in a sealed ziplock baggie and send it to a lab for testing. (Yes, you can do that—Google “tick testing near me” or if you are in the New England area, use TickReport.com.)
✔ Watch the bite site for several days. Redness that grows, bulls-eye rashes, joint pain, fever, or flu-like symptoms are a big red flag.
✔ If the tick tests positive for Lyme or you develop symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may need a round of antibiotics, and earlier is always better.

❌ DO NOT:

🚫 Yank the tick off (you might leave the head behind—ew).
🚫 Dig it out with a needle, tweezers, or sharp object.
🚫 Smother it with Vaseline, nail polish, peppermint oil, glue, or any other Pinterest “hacks.”
🚫 Burn it with a match (this isn’t the Wild West).

Forcing the tick to detach on its own can actually make it vomit into your bloodstream (horrifying but true), which increases your risk of disease. Unscrew the tick properly, and don’t mess around!