Post #1562922

2026-03-31 14:23 UTC

As a former camp counselor, I found that using a fork is really helpful for checking through kids hair. I'm sensitive to smells but using permethrin on my outer clothes, letting them sit for a bit, and then putting them on helps me stay protected chemically without giving myself a headache. At least spraying your hat and shoes can be a very effective deterrent. You don't need to do it every time either, if done well it can last for weeks.

Replies (2)

@vapaad@wandering.shop 2026-03-31 14:27

Also for those in the dry west, dry conditions actually make for a worse West Nile year as mosquitoes congregate more for drinking and breeding with fewer water sources. Consider being a bit more mosquito aware than usual. I personally find picaridin to work really well and it doesn't have a smell/is safe for kids! It is SPICY though so do take care spraying so you don't pepper spray yourself or a pal.

Open ##1562923
@idzie@kolektiva.social 2026-03-31 15:28

@vapaad with the kinds of things I'm doing now I'm fine with just using picaridin as a tick repellent, but when I finally move (and am likely to be doing more brush-clearing) I might have to look into permethrin. It freaks me out because it's so toxic to cats, but I know that's mostly when fresh. 😭 Also oh yeah good warning about picaridin repellent, that is NOT fun to breathe in. 😅

Open ##1562931