TFM’s Safety Committee asked our Survey Field Operations Manager, Stephen Bibeau to put together a few helpful hints to prevent contracting poison ivy and tick bites. Steve has been surveying since 1985, and has plenty of experience when it comes to what to do, to stay safe and avoid itching and biting.
See below for Steve’s Helpful Tips – Please pass along this information with others!
Poison Ivy:
- Wear gloves.
- Do not touch any part of your skin after tying your shoes or using equipment, use a cloth or something else.
- Use Tecnu® lotion prior to going into field.
- Carry a bottle of rubbing alcohol and follow these steps:
Step 1: Cleanse area; Step 2: Wash with water; Step 3: Wash with soap. You have ten minutes. If you just wash with soap first, you take a chance of spreading it to other areas. - When you get home, wear gloves to take off your shoes. Often the oil is still on your outerwear.
Ticks:
- Cover up skin as much as possible.
- Tuck pants inside socks or use something to seal possible entry areas; tuck shirt in.
- Use deet if you can. Try to stay away from high % deet formulas, above 15% has been known to cause seizures in some.
- Buddy system-don’t be shy, have your buddy check you. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Stay Safe and have a Great Summer!