Tips for spring hiking.
Warmer temperatures are just around the corner. With the warm weather comes wet trails and ticks at this time of year.
When a trail has snow on it we are prepared that it may be slippery, but what about when it is wet? Trails can be slippery from the spring run off and spring rains, so please have sturdy footwear with good treads when walking on Regional Parks trails.
This time of year is also tick season. Here are a few tips to be Tick Smart.
1. Walk on cleared trails. Avoid walking through long grass.
2. Wear long sleeves and pants and light-coloured clothing.
3. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
4. Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin.
5. After being in an area that may have ticks, inspect your clothing and your skin as well as that of children and pets. If you see a tick, remove it yourself by using tweezers but remember to remove the tick whole and avoid squeezing its body.
6. If a tick has buried itself in your skin, go to your family doctor or walk-in clinic and have it removed immediately.
For more information about ticks visit: http://canlyme.com/
This article was written by Regional Parks Services with the Regional District of Central Okanagan. For more information on regional parks in West Kelowna visit www.regionaldistrict.com/parks
