How to protect yourself effectively

Expert Advice: Tick Protection on Green Spaces and in the Garden

Ticks Can Transmit Infectious Infectious Diseases such as Lyme Disease and Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) . Therefore, it is stressed repeatedly how important it is to protect yourself from ticks. The experts have some good tips for that.

Carriers of dangerous diseases

Ticks can carry many more pathogens, but in Germany almost exclusively TBE and Borrelia viruses play a role. While these are widespread nationwide, until recently, the former were confined to southern Germany. But according to experts, TBE risk zones in Germany are increasing rapidly. The disease also represents a growing danger in northern Germany, where the Hesse areas south of the Main have long been part of TBE risk zones. The municipal health office in Offenbach therefore informs in a message about ticks and diseases, who can transfer them, and gives advice on how to protect themselves.

Active at an ambient temperature of about eight degrees Celsius

As experts explain, ticks are part of the arachnids and are blood-sucking parasites. In this country live different types. The most widespread tick in Germany is wood (Ixodes ricinus).

Bugs are found in the Federal Republic in all regions up to about 2,000 meters altitude (forests, bushes, meadows), but also in parks Gardens

They become active from An outside temperature of about eight degrees Celsius and sting especially in the morning and early evening. The "tick season" is in the months of March to October

Ticks in the grbad and on the leaves recognize the possible victims of shock, body heat and scents

small animals in large. They do not fall from trees, as is often supposed.

The parasites choose a site of puncture favorable for the sucking of the blood. These are mainly areas of the body such as the popliteal fossa, the groin, the armpits or the capillaries, so wet and hot spots

Lyme Disease and TBE

Ticks in Germany can transmit mainly two diseases:

can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

However, if the disease remains undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause chronic damage to the heart, nerves and joints and, in the worst case, death

. On the other hand, FSME blood juices (meningoencephalitis in early summer), can transmit inflammation of meningitis-brain and viral disease.

According to health experts, the disease can be particularly serious in the elderly in extreme cases, they can be fatal.

There are no drugs available against TBE itself, so I can treat the symptoms. In addition, there is a preventive vaccine.

What to do when a tick bites?

As the Offenbach Municipal Health Bureau explains, a tick still in migration can be easily removed by hand. The animal, on the other hand, can not defend itself by biting because it takes time to cut the skin.

A tucked in tick should always be picked up with tweezers, ticks or tweezers as soon as possible or if none of these aids

To do this, it is necessary to seize as much as possible the skin of the tick , loosen it slowly and slowly remove it from the site of puncture

The tick should not be pressed, otherwise its infectious secretions into the human body.

According to experts, the use of "home remedies" such as oil, nail polish or glue should be strictly avoided. If possible, disinfect the puncture site, for example, with high percentage alcohol.

Protect against Ticks

Preventive vaccination offers the best protection against FSME. The Offenbach municipal health office has even more tips on how to protect yourself from ticks and transmitted by animal diseases:

So, you should stay out in the open, especially in browsing the undergrowth or meadows. This makes it even easier to identify the clothes that surround ticks on the body), as well as sturdy shoes.

In addition, anti-tick skin protection products of limited effectiveness may also be used.

Long clothes should not be forgotten: after a stay outside, the whole body and clothes must be thoroughly checked.

Important to know: For example, animals can walk along their clothes on their way home. free skin spot to find.

Tick dick is nic nic

Direct sunlight does not like ticks. Those who prefer to walk barefoot and / or with short skirts or pants across the meadows should know that ticks usually look for a suitable place for a moment.

As long as they still walk on the skin, they can be easily removed. Crabs, however, prefer places such as the popliteal pit, which can only be seen with a helper or in the mirror, or the groin, where they hide under clothing.

The tick is not perceived by the man because the animal is finished

Ticks can also occur in their own garden because live animals such as mice, Hedgehogs, dogs or cats are attacked by ticks and a sucked tick that falls in the garden can release many offspring.

Ticks should be examined after proper residence and ticks removed.

In addition, collected leeches should always be kept, because if the animal shows signs of illness, such as borreliosis, after the bite, examination of the tick for relevant pathogens may be important . Provide clues.

As ticks like to be wet and shady, it helps to keep the lawn in the garden short. (Ad)