Ticks: tips and information
August 20, 2012
Small and mean: at first glance ticks, or Zecken as they are known in Germany, may seem like harmless little bloodsuckers that are active during summer. However, caution is in place when dealing with these little creatures: they often transmit dangerous diseases!
Ticks are black, spider-like animals that are about 1 to 2 milimeters in size. They live in high grass, between wood-blocks, in corners of gardensheds, in between leaf-litter, and many other places close to the ground in both woods and gardens. In order to reproduce and in order to develop, ticks need blood. And this blood they get from us humans, but also from pets. Dogs and cats in particular are often terrorised by ticks. Once a tick has attached itself to the skin of a human or animal, it will start taking its bloodmeal. During this bloodfeast, the tick grows in size and can become 1 centimeter large and sometimes even larger! Once the tick is completely filled with blood, it will leave its host and drop to the ground.
Normally, a tick bite is not dangerous in itself. Once a tick is noticed, which is often the hard part, then it suffices to remove the tick with a special tick removal tool or devise. Removing a tick is a precise but relatively easy process. However, there are several diseases that can be transmitted by ticks. Well-known examples are FSME and Borreliosis. A red circular ring around the tick bite often points to an infection with Borreliosis or Lyme disease. If such a circular ring appears, you should always visit your doctor immediately. Tick protection is important, read more about this on Zeckenschutz!
Particularly people that spend a lot of time outdoors – including in gardens! – are at risk from getting infected with diseases as a result of tick-bites. Before enetring the woods or entering your garden you should always protect yourself against ticks by using protective clothing and by using
Ticks are black, spider-like animals that are about 1 to 2 milimeters in size. They live in high grass, between wood-blocks, in corners of gardensheds, in between leaf-litter, and many other places close to the ground in both woods and gardens. In order to reproduce and in order to develop, ticks need blood. And this blood they get from us humans, but also from pets. Dogs and cats in particular are often terrorised by ticks. Once a tick has attached itself to the skin of a human or animal, it will start taking its bloodmeal. During this bloodfeast, the tick grows in size and can become 1 centimeter large and sometimes even larger! Once the tick is completely filled with blood, it will leave its host and drop to the ground.
Normally, a tick bite is not dangerous in itself. Once a tick is noticed, which is often the hard part, then it suffices to remove the tick with a special tick removal tool or devise. Removing a tick is a precise but relatively easy process. However, there are several diseases that can be transmitted by ticks. Well-known examples are FSME and Borreliosis. A red circular ring around the tick bite often points to an infection with Borreliosis or Lyme disease. If such a circular ring appears, you should always visit your doctor immediately. Tick protection is important, read more about this on Zeckenschutz!
Particularly people that spend a lot of time outdoors – including in gardens! – are at risk from getting infected with diseases as a result of tick-bites. Before enetring the woods or entering your garden you should always protect yourself against ticks by using protective clothing and by using
Posted by Jennifer Clark.