What are the dangers associated with tick bites. How can you identify different types of ticks. What diseases can ticks transmit to humans. How to prevent tick bites and remove ticks safely. What are the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses. When should you seek medical attention after a tick bite. How are tick-borne diseases diagnosed and treated.

Understanding Tick Biology and Behavior

Ticks are small arachnids that play a significant role in the transmission of various diseases to humans and animals. These parasitic creatures are found in diverse habitats, particularly in wooded areas, grasslands, and areas with dense vegetation. There are approximately 850 different species of ticks worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics and potential health risks.

Ticks vary greatly in size, ranging from as small as a poppy seed to as large as a pencil eraser when fully engorged. Their life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. At each stage, except for the egg, ticks require a blood meal to progress to the next phase of development.

How do ticks find and attach to hosts?

Ticks employ a behavior called “questing” to locate potential hosts. They climb to the tips of grass blades or perch on the edges of leaves, extending their front legs to grasp onto any passing animals or humans. Once on a host, ticks often migrate to warm, moist areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, or scalp before attaching and beginning to feed.

• Ticks can detect heat, moisture, and carbon dioxide from potential hosts
• They use specialized mouthparts called chelicerae to cut through the skin
• Ticks secrete a cement-like substance to firmly anchor themselves during feeding
• Feeding can last several days, during which time disease transmission may occur

Common Tick Species and Their Geographical Distribution

Different tick species are prevalent in various regions around the world. In the United States, some of the most common and medically significant tick species include:

1. Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) – Eastern and North-Central U.S.
2. Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) – Western U.S.
3. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – Eastern, Southeastern, and South-Central U.S.
4. Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) – Rocky Mountain states
5. Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) – Southeastern and Eastern U.S.

Each of these species can transmit different pathogens and pose unique health risks to humans and animals. Understanding the types of ticks present in your area can help in implementing targeted prevention strategies and recognizing potential symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.

Tick-Borne Diseases: A Growing Public Health Concern

Tick-borne diseases have become an increasing concern for public health officials worldwide. As climate change alters tick habitats and human activities bring people into closer contact with tick-infested areas, the incidence of these diseases continues to rise. Some of the most significant tick-borne illnesses include:

Lyme Disease

Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses in North America and Europe. It is primarily transmitted by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus). Early symptoms may include:

• Erythema migrans (bull’s-eye rash)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches

If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe symptoms affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

This potentially fatal disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted primarily by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. Symptoms typically appear within 2-14 days after a tick bite and may include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Characteristic rash (appears 2-5 days after fever onset)

Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis

These bacterial infections are caused by various species of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, respectively. They are transmitted by the blacklegged tick, lone star tick, and other tick species. Symptoms can be similar to those of other tick-borne diseases and may include:

• Fever and chills
• Severe headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or changes in mental state

Babesiosis

Caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Babesia, this disease is primarily transmitted by blacklegged ticks. Many people with babesiosis are asymptomatic, but some may experience:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweats)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Body aches

Severe cases can lead to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.

Preventing Tick Bites: Strategies for Personal Protection

Preventing tick bites is crucial in reducing the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases. Here are some effective strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Proper Clothing and Gear

When venturing into tick-prone areas, wear appropriate clothing and use protective gear:

• Light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Tuck pants into socks or boots
• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear

Use of Insect Repellents

Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients such as:

• DEET (at least 20% concentration)
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Para-menthane-diol

Always follow the product instructions and reapply as directed.

Landscape Management

Reduce tick populations in your yard and surrounding areas by:

• Keeping grass short and removing leaf litter
• Creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas
• Removing brush and weeds along property edges
• Discouraging deer and other wildlife from entering your yard

Regular Tick Checks

Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after spending time outdoors. Pay special attention to:

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside the belly button
• Back of the knees
• In and around hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

Proper Tick Removal Techniques

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it’s essential to remove it promptly and correctly to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps for safe tick removal:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure
4. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick
5. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
6. Dispose of the tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed container, or flushing it down the toilet

Never crush a tick with your fingers, as this can release potentially infectious fluids. Avoid using methods such as “painting” the tick with nail polish or petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach. These methods may increase the risk of the tick regurgitating its stomach contents into the wound, potentially increasing the chance of disease transmission.

Recognizing and Responding to Tick-Borne Illness Symptoms

Early recognition of tick-borne illness symptoms is crucial for prompt treatment and improved outcomes. While symptoms can vary depending on the specific disease, some common signs to watch for include:

• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash (not always present in all tick-borne diseases)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes

If you develop any of these symptoms within several weeks of a tick bite or after spending time in tick-infested areas, seek medical attention promptly. Inform your healthcare provider about your recent tick exposure or outdoor activities.

When should you see a doctor after a tick bite?

While not every tick bite requires medical attention, you should consult a healthcare provider if:

• You’re unable to remove the entire tick
• You develop a rash, particularly the characteristic bull’s-eye rash of Lyme disease
• You experience flu-like symptoms within several weeks of a tick bite
• You live in or have traveled to an area where tick-borne diseases are common
• You have a compromised immune system

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tick-Borne Diseases

Diagnosing tick-borne diseases can be challenging due to the similarity of symptoms with other illnesses. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of methods to diagnose these conditions:

• Clinical evaluation of symptoms
• Patient history, including recent tick exposure or outdoor activities
• Physical examination
• Laboratory tests (blood tests, PCR, etc.)

Treatment for tick-borne diseases often involves antibiotics, with the specific regimen depending on the particular disease and its severity. Common antibiotics used include:

• Doxycycline
• Amoxicillin
• Cefuroxime axetil
• Azithromycin

In some cases, additional supportive care may be necessary to manage symptoms and complications. Early treatment is crucial for the best outcomes, as delayed treatment can lead to more severe symptoms and long-term health problems.

Emerging Tick-Borne Diseases and Research Frontiers

The field of tick-borne diseases is continuously evolving, with new pathogens being discovered and existing diseases expanding their geographical range. Some emerging tick-borne diseases of concern include:

• Powassan virus disease
• Heartland virus disease
• Bourbon virus disease
• Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy)

Researchers are working on various fronts to combat tick-borne diseases, including:

1. Development of new diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate detection of multiple tick-borne pathogens
2. Creation of more effective vaccines against tick-borne diseases
3. Investigation of novel tick control methods, including biological control agents
4. Study of tick microbiomes and their role in pathogen transmission
5. Exploration of genetic factors influencing tick-borne disease susceptibility and severity

As our understanding of tick biology and tick-borne diseases continues to grow, new prevention strategies and treatment options are likely to emerge, offering hope for better management of these complex and often debilitating conditions.

In conclusion, tick-borne diseases represent a significant and growing public health concern. By understanding the risks, implementing effective prevention strategies, and recognizing early symptoms, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from these potentially serious illnesses. Ongoing research and public health initiatives are crucial in the fight against tick-borne diseases, aiming to reduce their impact on human health and improve outcomes for those affected.

Tick bite Information | Mount Sinai

Ticks are bugs that can attach to you as you brush past bushes, plants, and grass. Once on you, ticks often move to a warm, moist place on your body, like the armpits, groin, and hair. There, they typically attach firmly to your skin and begin to draw blood. Avoiding ticks is important because they can infect you with bacteria and other organisms that cause illness.

Ticks can be fairly large, about the size of a pencil eraser, or so small that they are almost impossible to see. There are about 850 different types of ticks. Most tick bites are harmless, but some can cause mild to serious health conditions.

This article describes the effects of a tick bite.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage a tick bite. If you or someone you are with is bitten by a tick, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Erythema migrans is the initial lesion of Lyme disease, and often appears at the site of the infecting tick bite. It is a red, enlarging rash, flat or slightly raised, and may reach from 4 to 20 inches (12 to 35 cm) across (the average rash is 6 inches, or 17 cm). (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It is similar in shape to the spirochetes that cause other diseases, such as relapsing fever and syphilis. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Diseases are often carried by ticks, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Lyme disease, and tularemia. Less common or less frequent diseases include typhus, Q-fever, relapsing fever, viral encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis.

There are many species of ticks. Of these, a large proportion are capable of carrying disease. Diseases carried by ticks include Lyme disease, Erlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, tularemia, typhus, hemorrhagic fever, and viral encephalitis. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

This is an engorged deer tick (Ixodes dammini) embedded in the skin of a human host. In the United States, these ticks are the primary source of Lyme disease. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and M. Fergione.)

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is known as a spirochete because of its long, corkscrew shape. This photograph shows the typical corkscrew appearance of a spirochete. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

This is an adult female deer tick, Ixodes dammini. It transmits Lyme disease and babesiosis to humans. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Ticks are small, insect-like creatures that live in woods and fields. They can attach to people or animals as they brush past bushes, plants, and grass. Ticks can be fairly large, as big as a pencil eraser, or so small that they are almost impossible to see. While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, and tularemia.

This is a close-up photograph of a tick embedded in the skin. Ticks are important because they can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease, and others.

Poisonous Ingredient

Hard- and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a poison that can cause tick paralysis in children.

Most ticks do not carry diseases, but some carry bacteria or other organisms that can cause:

• Colorado tick fever
• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Tularemia

These and other illnesses may cause heart, nervous system, kidney, adrenal gland, and liver damage, and may cause death.

Where Found

Ticks live in wooded areas or grassy fields.

Symptoms

Watch for symptoms of tick-borne diseases in the weeks after a tick bite. These include muscle or joint aches, stiff neck, headache, weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms. Watch for a red spot or rash starting at the site of the bite.

The symptoms below are from the bite itself, not from the diseases a bite may cause. Some of the symptoms are caused by one variety of tick or another, but may not be common to all ticks.

• Stopped breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Blisters
• Rash
• Severe pain at site, lasting several weeks (from some kinds of ticks)
• Swelling at site (from some kinds of ticks)
• Weakness
• Uncoordinated movement

Home Care

Below is the proper way to remove an attached tick:

• Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Gloved or protected fingers may be used if no tweezers are available.
• Pull straight up gently but firmly, using steady pressure. Do not jerk or twist. Do not squeeze or crush the body of the tick. Fluids from the tick may contain infectious agents.
• Clean the skin thoroughly with soap and water after removing the tick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

If possible, place the tick in a closed container and take it to the emergency room.

If the mouthparts or any parts of the tick remain in the skin, they will usually grow out without causing any problems, but local infection is possible.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person’s age, weight, and condition
• Time the tick bite occurred
• Part of the body affected

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The symptoms will be treated. Long-term treatment may be needed if complications develop. Preventive antibiotics are often given to people who live in areas where Lyme disease is common.

The person may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including oxygen, a tube down the throat and a breathing machine (ventilator) in serious cases
• Chest x-ray
• ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

After tick removal and skin cleansing, observe the area for the development of a circular rash called “Erythema migrans” for up to 30 days following a tick bite. Contact your health care provider right away if a rash develops.

A tick usually has to be attached for 2 to 3 days before transmitting Lyme disease, so removal of the tick within that time often prevents Lyme transmission. Other infections may occur earlier from a tick bite.

Most tick bites are harmless. The outcome will depend on what type of infection the tick may have been carrying and how soon appropriate treatment was started. If you are bitten by a tick that carried a disease, long-term health effects may occur months or even years later.

Personal protection against bites may be achieved by avoiding areas where ticks are known to be present and applying insect repellents.

To protect yourself against ticks, try to stay away from areas where ticks are known to live. If you are in an area that harbors ticks, apply insect repellant to your body and wear protective clothing. Examine your skin for signs of tick bites or ticks after your travels.

Bryant K. Tickborne infections. In: Long SS, Prober CG, Fischer M, eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 90.

Cummins GA, Traub SJ. Tick-borne diseases. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 42.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.

Needham GR. Evaluation of five popular methods for tick removal. Pediatrics. Jun;75(6):997-1002. PMID: 4000801 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4000801/.

Otten EJ. Venomous animal injuries. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 55.

Last reviewed on: 7/20/2021

Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Tick Bites – Injuries and Poisoning

By

Robert A. Barish

, MD, MBA, University of Illinois at Chicago;

Thomas Arnold

, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2022 | Modified Sep 2022

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Topic Resources

Ticks, like mites, are closely related to spiders. These small creatures, sometimes carried as parasites on the bodies of humans and animals, may transmit disease to humans.

(See also Introduction to Bites and Stings Introduction to Bites and Stings Many creatures, including humans, bite when frightened or provoked. Others include Alligators and crocodiles Iguanas Mites Ticks read more .)

Ticks can carry many diseases. For example, deer ticks may carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease Lyme Disease Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted infection caused by Borrelia species, primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi and sometimes by Borrelia mayonii in the United States. These… read more or the protozoa that cause babesiosis Babesiosis Babesiosis is infection of red blood cells caused by the protozoa Babesia. Babesiosis is transmitted by the same type of deer ticks (Ixodidae) that transmits Lyme disease. Babesiosis… read more . Other types of ticks may carry the bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a potentially fatal rickettsial infection that is transmitted by dog ticks and wood ticks. It causes a rash, headache, and high fever. People become infected… read more or ehrlichiosis Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are tick-borne bacterial infections that cause fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and a general feeling of illness (malaise). Symptoms of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis… read more .

The bites of pajaroello ticks, which are present in Mexico and the southwestern United States, produce pus-filled blisters that break, leaving open sores that develop thick black scabs (eschars).

Most tick bites do not transmit disease and are painless. However, they often cause a red bump and itching at the site of the bite and may cause allergic skin reactions in some people.

In North America, some tick species secrete a toxin in their saliva that causes tick paralysis. A person with tick paralysis feels weak and fatigued. Some people become restless, weak, and irritable. After a few days, a progressive paralysis develops, usually moving up from the legs. The muscles that control breathing also may become paralyzed.

Tick paralysis is cured rapidly by finding and removing the tick or ticks. If breathing is impaired, oxygen therapy Oxygen Therapy Oxygen therapy is a treatment that delivers extra oxygen to the lungs when the level of oxygen in the blood is too low. Oxygen is a gas that makes up about 21% of the air we breathe. The lungs… read more or a mechanical ventilator Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation is use of a machine to aid the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Some people with respiratory failure need a mechanical ventilator (a machine that helps air get… read more may be needed to assist with breathing.

Tick bites can sometimes be prevented by taking precautions in areas where ticks are common.

Preventing Tick Bites

Tick removal should be done as soon as possible. Removal is best accomplished by grasping the tick with curved tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pulling it directly out. The tick’s head, which may not come out with the body, should be removed, because it can cause prolonged inflammation. Most of the folk methods of removing a tick, such as applying alcohol, fingernail polish, or petroleum jelly or using a hot match, are ineffective and may cause skin damage or cause the tick to expel infected saliva into the bite site.

Did You Know…

After the tick is removed, an antiseptic should be applied. If swelling and discoloration are present, an oral antihistamine may be helpful. If the tick appears to have been attached for an extended period (the tick is very swollen) or Lyme disease is prevalent in the area, doctors may give an antibiotic to help prevent Lyme disease.

If a tick bite, such a pajaroello tick bite, causes significant skin damage, the doctor extensively cleans and removes any dead skin from the wound. The doctor may apply corticosteroids and antiseptics to the area to prevent further skin damage and infection.

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Ixodid ticks – protection, removal, treatment, prevention, diseases

• Do not force the tick off

  If you find a tick on yourself, do not try to force it off. The tick is well fixed in the skin with the help of the mouthparts, and you can tear off the body of the tick, leaving the “head”, which will cause a strong inflammatory reaction.

• Disinfect the bite site

  Treat the site of the introduction of the tick with ethyl alcohol or cologne. Make a loop of thread. Gently place the loop between the “head” and the body of the tick, tighten. Tighten the thread while twisting it. Gradually, without sudden movements, remove the tick. Treat the bite site with an iodine solution.

• Bring a live tick for examination

  When removing a tick alive: place the tick in a small glass vial with a tight-fitting lid and place a damp gauze pad on it. Close the bottle with a cap and store it in the refrigerator. For microscopic diagnosis, the tick must be delivered to the laboratory alive within 2 days from the moment of removal. Examination (paid) of a tick for the carriage of pathogens of tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne borreliosis can be done: Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in Moscow – Grafsky lane 4/9, phone: 687-40-30; Virological laboratory – Warsaw highway, 19A. phone: 952-40-98.

• Prophylactic vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis

  Citizens traveling to endemic territories for TBE, as well as living in them, are recommended to be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.

  It should be remembered that vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis must be started 2.5 months before leaving for an unfavorable territory.

  The vaccination consists of several injections (depending on the administered drug), the minimum interval between which is 2 months. After the last injection, at least 14 days must pass before leaving for the outbreak. During this time, immunity is developed. The timing of revaccination depends on the type of vaccine used for vaccination.

• Emergency prophylaxis after tick bite

  For emergency prophylaxis after a tick bite, human immunoglobulin against tick-borne encephalitis is used. The drug is administered to unvaccinated individuals who have noticed tick bites in endemic areas. For vaccinated persons, the drug is administered in case of multiple suction of ticks. The introduction of immunoglobulin is effective during the first 72 hours after tick bite. Vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis in Moscow can be done at the 72nd CD of the EMERCOM of Russia, as well as at polyclinics at the place of residence. Emergency prophylaxis against tick-borne encephalitis can be done at the 72nd Central Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, as well as at the Research Institute of Emergency Medicine named after. N.V. Sklifosovsky at the address: Moscow, B-Sukharevskaya Square, 3 (admission department tel. 680-85-47).

To protect against ixodid ticks, the following preventive measures should be observed:

When going into the forest, use special anti-encephalitis suits that protect against tick bites.

If special clothing is not available, dress in such a way that it is easy to carry out a quick inspection to detect ticks attached to clothing. It is better that the clothes are light, plain – it is easier to notice ticks on it.

As a rule, taiga and forest ticks crawl from plants at the level of the shin, knee or thigh and always crawl up through clothes, so trousers must be tucked into boots, stockings or socks with a tight elastic band, and the upper part of the clothes into trousers. The cuffs of the sleeves should fit snugly to the arm, and the collar of the shirt and trousers should not have fasteners or have a tight fastener under which the tick cannot crawl. The head must be protected with a hood, if it is not there, you should put on a scarf or hat, tucking your hair in there.

An effective measure of protection is the treatment of clothing with special insecticidal and acaricidal agents against ixodid ticks (Gardex anti-tick, KRA-rep, Fumitox-antiklesch, Tornado-antiklesch, Picnic Anti-klesch, Off, etc. .). In this case, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for use.

When in the forest, do not sit or lie down on the grass.

Regular self- and mutual inspections should be carried out for the detection of ticks. Surface inspections are carried out every 10-15 minutes. After returning from the forest, you must immediately take off your clothes and carefully examine it, as well as the whole body.

It is better to camp and spend the night in the forest in dry pine forests on sandy soils or in areas devoid of grass vegetation. Before spending the night, you should inspect the clothes, and also check if there are any stuck ticks on the body or scalp.

Do not bring freshly picked plants into the living quarters, as well as outer clothing and other items that may be mites.

If there are pets in the house – dogs or cats, they must be treated with agents against ectoparasites in the form of drops on the withers, in propellant-free aerosol packaging during the period of activity of ticks. Animals should be inspected regularly and, if necessary, ticks removed.

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What is dangerous tick

Ticks are very small in size and usually difficult to see until they suck on blood. But then it’s already too late. Getting on the human body, the tick does not immediately dig into his skin, but crawls for a long time, looking for the most tender places (where the skin is thin). Most often, it digs into the groin, armpits, neck, collarbones, abdomen and back. Its bite is completely insensitive, because the saliva of the tick contains an anesthetic. Ticks stick for three to four days. From drunk blood, ticks swell greatly, increasing in size by three to four times, and only then fall off. Ticks are dangerous not because of their bite, but because they suck blood from various animals, and microbes are collected from each animal. Then these microbes are introduced by them into the blood of the victim. The most common is the forest mite. He is a carrier of tick-borne encephalitis, a severe disease of the central nervous system. And also ticks can transmit other serious diseases, including plague, tularemia, borreliosis, brucellosis, typhoid.

Even if the tick bite was briefly temporary, the risk of contracting tick infections cannot be ruled out. However, you need to understand that the presence of an infection in a tick does not mean that a person will get sick.

When a tick is dangerous

The most dangerous tick is in the spring-summer period, in August the risk of infection decreases sharply, and in September-October it practically disappears.

Ticks are most active in the morning and in the evening, they like shaded damp places with thick undergrowth. In bright places they usually do not happen. Ticks love to be near trails that animals (including mice) walk on. They love places where cattle graze, various clearings and deaf places. In heat or rain, ticks hide and do not attack. Do not forget that ticks crawl from the bottom up. It is a mistake to think that ticks attack from trees or high bushes. They lie in wait for their “prey” among the vegetation of the lower tier of the forest (usually no more than 1 m high). In tall grass, ticks have better protection from sunlight and are more likely to attack.

Bitten by a tick, what to do

A tick bite is painless, only after a day or two there is a feeling of slight pulling pain, as a local inflammatory reaction develops at the site of suction, sometimes with suppuration. The bite wound is usually very itchy and heals very slowly. Noticing the bite, you can remove the tick yourself or go to the clinic.

How to remove a tick

You can remove ticks yourself with tweezers, a loop of strong thread (this method requires skill) or fingers, preferably disinfected with an alcohol solution. If the tick has already dug deep into the body, you can drip vegetable oil on the bliss, vaseline, something enveloping and blocking the access of air. You need to pull out the tick by slightly shaking it from side to side, and then gradually pulling it out. If the proboscis came off and remained in the skin, then it is removed with a calcined on a flame and a cooled needle like a splinter. Even if you do not completely remove the parasite, and the proboscis remains under the skin, virus intoxication will be slower. When providing first aid for a tick bite, avoid all contact with the parasite, as the risk of transmission is real and exists. Try not to allow the places where the tick has stuck to come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose.

What to do with the tick after removal

tissue of the infectious agent mite. After removing the tick, the suction site should be treated with iodine, brilliant green, or thoroughly washed with soap and water. The insect itself must be taken to the study for infection with tick-borne infections. If you definitely cannot take the tick for analysis, burn it or pour boiling water over it. Tick ​​analysis is needed for peace of mind in case of a negative result and vigilance in case of a positive one.