![Are ticks active in winter? Explains the parasitologist [EXPLAINED]](https://healthy-food-near-me.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/are-ticks-active-in-winter-explains-the-parasitologist-explained-685x425.jpg)
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Although there are still a few weeks until the end of winter, it turns out that the ticks are not sleeping at all. One warmer day is enough for them to start looking for a host. Vets know this very well, and in the winter months even city dogs that do not venture beyond the block of flats end up with invasive parasites attached to their skin.
Ticks are awake
There are approx 20 species of ticks. The most common is the common tick (Ixodes ricinus), which is found practically throughout the country.
– Ticks hibernate until it gets warm enough. Fasted individuals go hunting at temperatures of 7-9 degrees Celsius. and in dry weather – says Dr. Jarosław Pacoń, parasitologist from the University of Life Sciences in Wrocław.
– At lower temperatures, ticks are less active and move more slowly. In February and March it is easier to meet the meadow tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) who likes a cooler temperature. It occurs in eastern Poland. It is especially dangerous for dogs because it transmits babesiosis – a disease caused by protozoa that can lead to the death of an infected dog. Common tick (Ixodes ricinus) is most active at higher temperatures – adds the specialist.
These invertebrates may spend the winter parasitizing small forest mammals such as mice and shrews. They can also hide in secluded and sheltered places: hollows, crevices in the bark of trees, piles of leaves or forest litter.
Also read: Tick bite – what to do?
– They most often attach to the skin of our dogs rummaging in parks, gardens and forests. If we look at the piles of leaves, we can also be attacked by ravenous ticks – explains the parasitologist.
However, in winter people, even on warmer days, have tightly covered bodies and wear high boots, which makes it harder for ticks to cling to the skin.
How not to bring a tick from a walk?
Therefore, you need to protect yourself and your animals from ticks also outside the season of their greatest activity, which usually begins in April.
– First of all, we protect our dogs and cats running loose in parks and gardens: with collars containing repellants, drops or sprays for sprinkling on the skin. After each visit to the forest, people should have a good look, shake them e.g. on the balcony or wash their outer clothes. At higher temperatures, you can use repellants for people – explains Dr. Jarosław Pacoń.
If, nevertheless, the tick has bitten you, after removing it, send it to a laboratory examination. The Lyme Disease Chromatography Shipping Kit is available from Medonet Market.
The editorial board recommends:
- What diseases do ticks transmit?
- Even one in six ticks carry the virus, which leads to tick-borne encephalitis
- A simple rash? Not necessarily. It could be a tick
- Ticks attack not only humans, but also dogs and cats
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