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Where does the most ticks live? Where do they reproduce?
Let’s start by explaining the most basic concepts. There are about 19 species of ticks in Poland. These arachnids are best represented by Ixodes ricinus, i.e. a common tick, sometimes called a pasture tick. On the Vistula, the range of its occurrence covers the entire area of the country, from the mountains to the coast. Where does the most ticks live? The common tick is most often found in deciduous and mixed forests, especially those with dense forest undergrowth in a moist microclimate. Ticks can also be found on the grassy roadside and of course pastures. It is worth overthrowing one of the most popular myths. Ticks do not fall on the hosts from the trees. How do they “hunt”?
Most often they climb the clumps of grass and bushes to a height of about 1-1.5 meters, where they wait for the victims. As you can see, ticks in Poland can be found virtually everywhere, almost every edge of greenery. It is worth being aware of this, because the threats they carry with them can be very serious.
Do ticks live at home? Where can they hide?
It is worth noting that ticks are naturally found in the above -mentioned places, while houses are not their typical environment where they can multiply. In conclusion – ticks do not appear at home, but they can be there and survive for a long time, of course depending on whether they find the host. Can ticks find themselves at home?
Yes, ticks can also be at home. How? Most often they are dragged by man, on clothes, backpack or skin. All we have to do is lift the clump of grass, and the arachnid will stick to the clothes. Are there any other ways? Of course, and one of the most popular are our pets, who can become “carriers” for ticks, which with them will go home.
Ticks can also be moved to the house with heating wood or collected plants, e.g. flowers or leaves from the meadow. Can a tick survive in the apartment at all? Of course, yes, provided that he finds a properly moist and cool place, such as a basement or bathroom. At home, however, he will not find the right conditions for reproduction, which we marked at the beginning. The tick at home will die if he doesn’t find a host.
What to do so that the ticks do not get home?
The answer to this question is important, because ticks can pose a threat to the lives of people and animals. First of all, it is worth checking both yourself and the animals after walks. You should also remember to check and wash clothes (preferably at 60 degrees C), where, as we mentioned earlier, they can be dragged home. It is also recommended to use anti -cutting preparations (also for animals). Basic activities, such as thorough cleaning, including vacuuming home and surfaces such as carpets and sofas, will also help remove unwanted guests.
We should also remember that it is worth checking the animals carefully after they went outside for a moment, before we let them go to the couch or bed. Even a short walk carries the risk of dragging a tick home.
See also:
Are ticks dangerous to humans? How to remove them?
Let us remember that we will protect us from ticks above all: appropriate clothing, including bright clothing, where it is easier to notice a tick, avoid sleeping in old buildings, the use of repellents or vaccination against tick -borne encephalitis. What to do when a tick has pricked you? It is best to follow the guide prepared by the Ministry of Health:
- Prepare plastic tweezers and hydrogen peroxide or 40% alcohol for disinfection. The alternative to tweezers are miniature suction pumps, plastic “ticks” available in pharmacies. Attention! The metal tweezers may be too sharp and cut the tick instead of catching it.
- Grind the tick right next to the skin, behind the front part of the body and pull up up to the upward movement.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect the prick.
- Watch the place after prick. If a disturbing change occurs, consult a doctor.
Why are ticks so dangerous? First of all, these arachnids are carriers of very dangerous infectious diseases. We include Lyme disease and tick -borne encephalitis. There is no vaccine for Lyme disease, it is a bacterial disease, treated with antibiotics. It is rarely fatal and can lead to severe health complications. In turn, tick -borne encephalitis is a viral disease, especially dangerous to the elderly. However, the degree of mortality is very low. Neurological complications are clearly more common.
