From summer hikes to weekend hunting trips, many professionals in automation and related fields spend time outdoors—and with that comes the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. Hosts Nikki Gonzales and Emily Merritt (a “tick chick” with a master’s in wildlife sciences) are joined by Courtney Fernandez for a practical and supportive conversation. Together, they address three key points for the audience: the real health risks of tick exposure, effective prevention and removal methods, and how these lessons apply both at work and at home.
Understanding Tick-Borne Illness Risk in the Industry
Many in the industrial automation space assume tick-borne disease is only relevant to campers or those in forestry, but the reality is much broader. Emily Merritt points out that, “Ticks kind of affect anybody that goes outside. So we should all know this. There's awareness even if you don't go outside, even if you never leave your house. There's actually ticks that can live in your walls.” For automation professionals who work on remote sites, water treatment facilities, or outdoor control panels, the risk is real. Stories from the episode highlight how easy it is for ticks to be overlooked, with guests and audience members sharing personal experiences of Lyme disease and other illnesses—some diagnosed only after persistent symptoms. It's important to know that geography is no buffer: as Merritt notes, “Are there a lot of ticks in Florida? Oh, yeah. They're just everywhere.”
Prevention and Proper Removal: What Really Works
Preventing tick bites starts with protective clothing and awareness, but the episode stresses practical solutions anyone can use. Merritt’s top recommendation is permethrin spray for clothing and gear: “Permethrin—this is like my favorite... I get like an industrial size can in bulk off of Amazon... This is the best stuff that I have ever seen.” Applying permethrin to shoes, outdoor gear, and even dog beds significantly lowers risk. She also highlights the importance of quick, safe removal with tweezers, stating, “What you do is you want to get as close to the skin as humanly possible... and pull, pull, pull, pull, pull before it releases.” The hosts dispel common removal myths—such as burning the tick or using chemicals—since these can increase infection risk. Daily “tick checks” after outdoor exposure, even in unexpected places like beneath clothing or in the scalp, are emphasized as simple but crucial.
Personal Stories and Industry Connections
The conversation goes beyond biology, connecting audience experiences to industry realities. Stories from guests remind listeners that chronic effects are possible and early intervention is essential. Nikki Gonzales shares, “...meeting Megan Chapman, the wife of one of our speakers at OT Skatacon last year, who has dealt with tick borne illness... her story is something we want to help get out.” Throughout, Merritt’s wildlife research background and easygoing approach demystify the topic for those who might be hesitant. By relating tick exposure to field work, maintenance, or even walks with the dog, the hosts help readers see prevention as part of daily safety—at work and home. Fernandez highlights, “I think there’s also a misconception that like us techie nerds or engineer types, like, are inside in front of a screen all day, but an alarming number of us, I think, hunt, hike, camp, you know, we're outside.”
Key Quote From The Episode
“Permethrin—this is like my favorite... This is the best stuff that I have ever seen. It repels ticks, chiggers, any sort of like...crawling insect that comes into contact with this, they will die.” – Emily Merritt
Key Takeaways
(00:03:35) Ticks are found in every state and region, often living in leaf litter, tall grass, and even indoor spaces. Risk is not limited to any one geography.
- (00:24:27) Precautions, such as using permethrin spray on clothing and conducting thorough tick checks, are proven ways to prevent bites.
- (00:34:12; 00:33:33) Quick discovery and safe removal dramatically reduce the likelihood of contracting disease—timely action matters.
- (00:47:09) Avoid common myths like burning ticks; always use fine-point tweezers to remove ticks as near to the skin as possible.
- (00:51:58) Those who find a tick should monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider, especially if residing in a tick-borne illness hotspot.
Wrap Up
Tick awareness is more than a seasonal caution—it's an everyday safety practice for engineers, integrators, and anyone working or playing outdoors. By understanding risk, applying proven prevention like permethrin, and removing ticks quickly and correctly, individuals reduce their chances of serious illness. Readers are encouraged to conduct daily tick checks, use recommended repellents on clothing and gear, and keep pet preventatives updated. Sharing knowledge can protect colleagues and loved ones alike.
About the Guest
Emily Merritt combines a master’s in wildlife sciences (with a focus on ticks and tick-borne illness) and a career in B2B industrial marketing. Known as the “tick chick,” she offers down-to-earth education on tick prevention and safety at work and outdoors. Merritt applies her scientific background, creative communication skills, and personal passion to help others stay safe and informed.
