Summer gives us dreams of lazy days spent hiking through beautiful country, gorgeous sunsets, and campfire reflections. Do you find yourself standing still on the trail, soaking in the birdsong, losing time watching butterflies in flight, and taking in the smell of wildflowers? These delights and more await the outdoor adventurer who is ready to practice summer hiking safety when venturing into the wild. Make this your best summer ever. Take some time to prepare for the season with these helpful tips. Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post is not intended to serve as expert advice. Please consult the national resources listed for the most accurate information. Disclosure: The visual elements in this post were created with the help of AI. Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Weather Forecast for Summer Hiking Safety Check the weather forecast for the area you will be hiking, not just the nearest city. Hiking apps like ON X Back Country provide up-to-date weather conditions. For weather news and educational resources, the National Weather Service is a great starting point. Rain and Lightning A covering of low, dark clouds could mean rain is approaching. Clouds that are dark underneath and very tall usually mean that thunder, lightning, hail, and strong winds are imminent. Do not start your hike if these conditions are present. If you are already on the trail, seek shelter immediately. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from the location of rainfall. If you hear thunder, DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter. According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), more people are struck before and after the storm reaches its peak. There are no safe places outdoors during a thunderstorm. To increase your chance of survival, if you are caught on the trail, avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top. Keep away from tall isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees. Tornadoes If the sky is a sickly green and the clouds are fast-moving, especially in a rotational pattern, a tornado may be approaching. Don’t try to outrun a tornado. Try to avoid its path by moving to the side. Never hide behind a tree or climb into a vehicle, as these may be sucked up into the vortex. Try to find a ditch or depression. Lie face down and use your arms to protect your head. Insects and Summer Hiking Safety Mosquitoes Mosquitoes can ruin a trip that otherwise would have been amazing. I spend a considerable amount of time in the North Woods, particularly in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The main item that has made these trips great, even in peak mosquito season, is the Homeya bug suit. While backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains of the Upper Peninsula in July, most of the other hikers I passed on the trail were miserably swatting away, but I didn’t get a single bite, even without using repellent. The gloves are excellent; nothing is more miserable than having bug welts all over your hands. Ticks Ticks can be dangerous. Wear a hat for protection, and check skin and hair frequently for these unpleasant visitors. According to the CDC, use tweezers to pull a tick out as soon as possible, grasping it close to the skin’s surface to avoid squeezing its body. Don’t twist or jerk, or the mouth part may break off and remain in the skin. Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands after removal. Usually, a tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours for Lyme disease to occur. If you are unsure how long a tick has been attached or if you notice a bull’s-eye type of rash, seek medical attention. The CDC has more great information on Lyme disease and tick bites. For a reliable tick and mosquito repellent, I recommend Ben’s 100% DEET. Bees and Other Stinging Insects Put as much distance between you and a hive or swarm, or even a single wasp or hornet. If you get caught in an attack, run! Swarming bees can be very aggressive. Bees will pursue and sting until they no longer see you as a threat. They are willing to die to protect their colony. Don’t swat them; this will make you appear more threatening. To treat a wasp or bee sting, the CDC recommends removing the stinger by scraping it out with a fingernail or credit card. Do not squeeze it or use tweezers. Apply ice if possible, or a cool cloth. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and an antihistamine can also be helpful to ease symptoms. If an allergic reaction is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary, especially if symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth or face occur. Spiders In the United States, the Brown Recluse spider is the most dangerous. Despite their non-aggressive nature, their bites, which often do not cause significant symptoms, can be a cause for concern. The venom has the potential to erode the walls of blood vessels near the bite, leading to skin necrosis. In rare instances, it can even result in organ damage or death. These spiders are most prevalent in the central and southern states, including Indiana, where I have encountered one in my own home. Black Widow bites rarely kill people, but they can make you very ill. Intense pain, muscle spasms, and trouble breathing can occur within hours. These spiders can be found in all US states except Alaska. Treat spider bites by washing the affected area with soap and water, and then applying a cool compress. Seek medical attention for Brown Recluse or Black Widow bites. Read up on CDC spider bite information. Large Wildlife Depending on where you are hiking,
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