During the summer, ticks can be a bothersome presence. They latch onto you unexpectedly and can pose serious health risks.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a notable increase in TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) infections as more individuals are engaging in outdoor activities. However, there are strategies to prevent tick bites.
All you need is a regular adhesive lint roller to help keep these tiny pests at bay, whether for yourself or your pet!
Ticks are prevalent worldwide, with a significant presence in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium.
Tick Population in the Netherlands
Ticks go through various life stages, starting as larvae, maturing into nymphs, and finally becoming adults. Larvae and nymphs require blood meals to develop into adults, while adult female ticks need blood for egg laying.
Tick bites can transmit various diseases like TBE and Lyme disease. While vaccination is an option, severe cases of TBE can lead to meningitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Impact of Increased Forest Visits
The ongoing pandemic may result in more TBE cases. Thomas Jaenson, a professor of medical entomology at Uppsala University in Sweden, notes, “This is because more people are venturing into the forests now; fewer are in offices or cities,” as reported by SVT.
As mentioned earlier, vaccination is one protective measure against ticks, but there are additional tips to prevent tick bites.
When heading to forested areas, wearing long pants and boots is advisable, especially in tall grass or known tick habitats.
Tips to Ward Off Ticks
If you opt for shorts or a t-shirt, carrying an adhesive lint roller or soft tape is a handy precaution.
Upon leaving areas with tall grass, promptly use these items to check your arms, legs, and knees. Ticks will adhere to the roller or tape.
It’s crucial to perform this check immediately after leaving grassy areas to prevent ticks from attaching and feeding on your blood.
Ticks initially cling to pets’ fur before burrowing deeper. Thoroughly examine your pet’s coat and use a lint roller if needed to inspect for ticks.
Safe Tick Removal
In the event of a tick bite, swift removal is essential to reduce infection risks.
Follow these steps to safely remove ticks:
- Use tweezers or a tick remover, readily available at pharmacies and stores.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and gently pull it out.
- Try to extract the entire tick; if a fragment remains, it will naturally expel over time without harm.
- Clean the tick bite with soap, water, or disinfectant.
Let’s hope for fewer tick bites this season, allowing everyone to savor the warm weather.
Share this valuable information with friends to help spread awareness of this effective tick-prevention method!
