Tick Awareness for Ohio Hunters: Smart Protection with Permethrin and Picaridin

At Rut Chasers, LLC, we spend countless hours in the woods guiding hunters through every phase of the deer season. From early-season patterns to late-season food sources, one constant remains—hunters share the landscape with ticks. While the ticks have not been bad in areas we hunt, it's always best to protect yourself, not only here in Ohio but anywhere you hunt!

That’s just part of hunting across the Midwest. The key isn’t avoiding the outdoors—it’s taking a few simple, effective steps to protect yourself so you can stay focused on the hunt.

Two of the most reliable tools available today are permethrin-treated clothing and picaridin-based repellents for your skin.

Ticks in Ohio: What Hunters Should Know

Ohio’s mix of hardwood timber, CRP ground, creek bottoms, and agricultural edges creates excellent whitetail habitat. It also provides ideal conditions for ticks.

Some of the more common ticks found in Ohio include:

Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)

Widely known and established across Ohio, particularly in wooded areas and along travel corridors where deer movement is high.

American Dog Tick

Frequently encountered in grassy areas, field edges, and along trails—places hunters walk through regularly.

Lone Star Tick

Becoming increasingly common in Ohio and throughout the Midwest. These ticks are active and often found in brushy cover and thick bedding areas.

While the species may vary slightly by region, the reality is the same from Ohio to surrounding states—ticks are present throughout the Midwest. Whether you’re hunting in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, or Pennsylvania, taking precautions is simply part of being prepared.

Why Permethrin Belongs on Your Gear

If you’re looking for one of the most effective ways to prevent ticks from ever becoming an issue, start with your clothing.

Permethrin is designed specifically to treat fabrics—not skin—and it works exceptionally well. Once applied and dried, it bonds to your clothing's fibers and remains effective through multiple wears and washes.

When ticks come into contact with treated fabric, they’re quickly repelled or neutralized before they can move upward and attach.

What to Treat Before the Season

For best results, treat:

• Hunting pants and base layers

• Socks and boot tops

• Jackets and outerwear

• Safety harnesses

• Gloves and hats

Applying permethrin before the season starts ensures you’re ready, whether you’re hanging stands in September or even climbing into one on a crisp November morning.

Picaridin: Reliable Protection for Exposed Skin

Even with treated clothing, there are always small areas left exposed—especially around your hands, neck, or face.

That’s where picaridin comes in.

Picaridin is a scent-conscious, hunter-friendly repellent that works well against ticks without the strong odor or oily residue that can come with other products. It’s a great option for bowhunters and anyone paying close attention to scent control.

Where to Apply It

• Back of the hands

• Neck and hairline

• Around the waistline

• Lower legs near boot openings

It adds a second layer of protection without interfering with your gear or comfort.

A Simple Two-Part System That Works

The best approach is to use both products together:

• Permethrin on your clothing and gear

• Picaridin on any exposed skin

This combination provides full coverage and drastically reduces your risk of encountering ticks during your hunt.

It’s a simple system that becomes second nature after a few uses.

Built-In Insect Protection Clothing

For hunters who want to take things a step further, some gear now comes with insect protection already built in.

The Sitka Equinox Guard system is a good example, offering lightweight hunting clothing designed with integrated insect defense. This can be especially useful during early-season hunts or when temperatures keep you in lighter gear.

Even with treated clothing, many hunters still use picaridin on exposed skin for added peace of mind.

Practical Habits That Make a Difference

In addition to repellents, a few routine habits can help minimize your exposure:

Dress with Purpose

Tucking pants into socks or boots can prevent ticks from easily reaching your skin.

Stay Aware in the Field

If you’re pushing through thick bedding cover or sitting in tall grass, take a moment to brush off before climbing into your stand.

Check After Every Hunt

A quick check at the truck or back at camp goes a long way.

Wash and Store Gear Separately

Keeping hunting clothing contained helps prevent unwanted items from being brought indoors.

Stay Focused on the Hunt

At Rut Chasers, LLC, we believe the focus should always be on the experience—watching a mature buck work a scrape, hearing leaves crunch on a cold morning, or seeing months of preparation come together in a single moment.

Ticks are just part of the environment, but with the right approach, they don’t have to be a distraction.

Plan Your Ohio Hunt with Rut Chasers, LLC

If you’re looking to hunt Ohio with experienced guides who understand every phase of the season, Rut Chasers, LLC offers fully guided whitetail hunts designed to put you in the right place at the right time.

From early-season opportunities to peak rut action and late-season patterns, we help hunters make the most of their time in the field.

Book your hunt with Rut Chasers, LLC today and experience what makes Ohio one of the top whitetail destinations in the Midwest.