Ticks: The Biggest Risk To Disc Golfers

“Disc golfers are interested in finding their disc after they've thrown it, but they don't really seem to pay too much attention to the ticks that are sitting right next to the disc that they're reaching down for.”

- Dr. Thomas Mather, Tick Expert, University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Resource Center

Disc golf is a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It's a fun and challenging game and a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. However, there's one risk that many disc golfers may not be aware of - ticks. Disc golf courses are often located in wooded areas, which can be prime habitats for ticks. These tiny ticks can carry a host of diseases that can cause serious health issues, so it's important for disc golfers to take preventive measures to protect themselves.

Ricky Wysocki playing disc golf

Best protection method - Permethrin

Players often focus on finding their disc after they have thrown it, but they may not realize that ticks are sitting right next to their disc, waiting to climb onto their body. To protect themselves from tick bites, disc golfers should take some simple steps. First, they should spray their shoes with permethrin, which is one of the best ways to deter ticks from latching on. They should also wear permethrin-treated socks, as ticks are likely to crawl up from the ground. Permethrin spray is a simple and effective way to add tick repellent to the gear you’re already using.

Simple actions to prevent tick attachment

If you’re already at the course and didn’t use permethrin spray, there are other easy methods to help protect yourself. For example, you can tuck your socks into your pants and tuck your shirt in. This helps keep the tick on the outside of your clothing and prevents them from finding an area to feed. Other things you can do are, avoid areas with tall grass or branches where ticks typically wait to latch on to their host.

Tick Tips & Identification

Disc golfers can use resources such as Be Ready For Ticks from TickEncounter that can help them avoid ticks. If you find a tick, you can send a photo to TickSpotters, and they can help identify the tick and give you a risk assessment base on your location and how long it’s fed.

In conclusion, while disc golf is a fun sport to play, it is important for players to take steps to protect themselves from ticks. Using permethrin spray and wearing permethrin-treated clothing is a simple way to help you avoid tick attachment. Other methods, such as tucking in their clothing and avoiding tick habitat, players can hopefully reduce their risk of tick bites and stay safe while enjoying their favorite sport.

For more information on ticks and disc golf, explore the Insect Shield + Ricky Wysocki partnership, where the #1 disc golfer in the world shares his experience with Lyme disease and his favorite permethrin-treated clothing.