It is difficult to say whether there are more ticks in Poland, because such studies are not conducted. The fact is, however, that along with the warming climate, they may be active for longer and longer – almost the entire year – says zoologist and forester Dr. Eng. Anna Wierzbicka.
“In the past, not much was said about ticks, but we must remember that Lyme disease was discovered in the United States in the 80s, and in Poland, tick-borne diseases have been registered since the early XNUMXs. It was only since then that all preventive actions began and the public began to pay attention to ticks. It does not mean, however, that there used to be fewer of them, but our perception has certainly changed, ”said an expert from the Department of Hunting and Forest Protection at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań.
It also does not mean that there are more and more ticks. “There is no monitoring of the number of ticks in Poland, so it is difficult for us to say if there are any numbers of them. However, we know from research that climate change lengthens the lifetime of ticks because the periods of subzero temperatures during which they are inactive are getting shorter or absent. This means that ticks can be active in December or January. In the last year, only February was not when we had frosts, ”she said.
- The “missing element” of Lyme disease was discovered. When is the vaccine?
On the other hand – the expert added – ticks do not like drought, so they are also inactive during dry and hot summer.
Moreover, higher temperatures mean that in Poland they appear – and survive longer and longer – new species that have so far been found, for example, in Africa. These ticks came to Poland on migratory birds and have been known to researchers for a long time.
“Once, such a nymph died immediately, and today it is able to survive, and – if it finds a host – it is able to transform into an adult individual. We do not have data yet that they will be able to complete their entire cycle (from larvae to nymphs to adults), but it is possible that it will happen in some time. These are different types of ticks that transmit diseases that are different from those that European doctors know and diagnose today, ‘she said.
Moreover, due to increasing temperatures, ticks appear farther north in countries such as Norway.
Dr. Wierzbicka reminded that the occurrence of ticks depends on many factors. In addition to temperature and humidity, it also counts, among others number of animals that are hosts for ticks and are able to transfer them elsewhere. They are mainly game species such as deer, roe deer, elk, wild boar, and also rodents, e.g. mice.
Ticks have no natural enemies. “While Hymenoptera and fungi can attack ticks – but the research so far shows that these natural enemies of ticks, their parasites, are never present enough to have a real impact on the size of the tick population. In fact, there is no such biological factor or enemy, the greater amount of which in the environment would reduce the tick population. At least we don’t have him identified, ”she pointed out.
- This is the biggest mistake when removing the tick. Never do that
Nowadays, ticks are ubiquitous, they can be caught even in green recreational areas and in city centers (the ticks themselves are not mobile, but they are carried by their hosts). They most often wait for their victims in low thickets and grass, mainly up to one meter high. So when you go for a walk, it is worth wearing clothes, covering your body, and checking yourself carefully when you come back. If a parasite sticks into the body, remove it as soon as possible.
Protection against ticks can also be strengthened by using special preparations that repel them, such as Tick Stop tick liquid, which additionally has a natural composition and is safe for the skin.
In turn, to remove the tick from the body, you will need a Tick Remover – EXPERT TICK, which has a chilling effect. Then you can remove it with a pair of tweezers or the tick remover – TAP OUT OUT, which works like a pump, thanks to which a vacuum is created where the tick is connected, so the arachnid comes out of the skin almost by itself.
Tick-borne diseases are not only Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis, but also babesiosis, tularemia, rickettsiosis and anaplasmosis. Lyme disease cannot be prevented, but it can be treated with antibiotics. Vaccinations are available against TBE.
- Which parts of the body are most vulnerable to ticks?
Dr. Wierzbicka very clearly emphasizes that ticks themselves are not something to be afraid of, although her research from a few years ago showed that every fourth person had to give up walking to the forest for this reason.
“Yes, you should be aware of tick-borne diseases and protect yourself against them – be it by vaccinating against tick-borne encephalitis, by wearing appropriate clothing when going for a walk, checking up after a walk, or using repellants. But do not be afraid, because nothing will soothe and oxygenate a person as much as a walk in the forest “- summed up the expert.
PAP – Science in Poland, Agnieszka Kliks-Pudlik
Read also:
- Watch out for “flying ticks”. They attack in swarms
- It repels mosquitoes and ticks. Insects hate this smell
- The most effective remedy for mosquitoes and ticks. Scientifically proven performance
- A common mistake when pulling out a tick. The risk of infection with Lyme disease increases
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.