Ticks are small ectoparasites that can make our outdoor recreation hazardous. Backyard BBQs, fishing trips, hikes in the woods become almost impossible in spring due to the risk of tick bites. Ixodid ticks (hard ticks) seek for their hosts and suck blood three times to undergo metamorphosis. While Argasid (soft ticks) require a blood meal up to seven times to complete their lifespan development. Thus, due to the habit of ingesting blood, ticks are vectors of hazardous viruses and bacteria that affect humans, pets and other animals. The only way to prevent getting infected with tick diseases is to avoid tick bites.
Unfortunately, there are only few vaccines against some tick-borne pathogens. Thus, it is necessary to take into account repellents and thorough tick checks as the most effective preventive measures.
Ticks can live almost everywhere: in lawns and forests, in fields and mountains, even in your yards and gardens. To be precise, they can be found wherever their host species occur. They usually occupy grass and low bushes to wait for their blood-host. In fact, ticks are not able to crawl long distances. Though, they can migrate with birds and animals.
Risks to get infection via bites
Fortunately, not all ticks in an infective area are contaminated with pathogens.For transmission of tick-borne pathogens, both attachment of the tick and a long-feeding session are necessary. Thus, tick bites often do not lead to infection, especially if the ticks are removed within 36 hours.
Rules for safe staying outdoors
Before visiting areas where tick-borne viruses are circulating during spring and summer months, apply insect repellents to clothing, gear and bare skin, according to product label. Repellents against ticks can be chemical, based on DEET or Picaridin and natural, containing essential oils. Topical sprays, lotions and cremes can be applied to exposed skin, but only last a few hours.
Clothing and gear can be treated with permethrin, which remains protective through several washings.
Avoid contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass.
Find and remove ticks immediately before they have a chance to bite and attach.
Bathe or shower (preferably within 2 hours after being outdoors) to wash off and find ticks on your body.
Conduct a full-body tick check. Parents should thoroughly check children, especially in their hair.
Also examine clothing, gear and pets.
Try to avoid wooded and shrubby areas with high grass. If possible, postpone your picnics, bbqs, rambling and hiking in the.
Wear light-colored clothing, better long sleeves and pants. When outdoors, apply tick repellents to bare skin (containing DEET) and to clothing and gear (containing permethrin), as directed on the product label.
Perform full-body tick checks after spending time outdoors. Remove ticks immediately before they have a chance to bite, attach and suck your blood. In addition, examine your clothing, gear and pets.
Consult a physician if fever, rash, or other symptoms of concern develop. Indeed, they can be clinical signs of a viral tick disease.
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