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“Flying ticks” is a colloquial term for deer deer (Lipoptena cervi), which is a species of insect that can fill people with swarms. Although flying ticks are not dangerous, they leave behind painful marks when biting, which can persist for a long time.
Adult deer, or “flying ticks” are 3,5 – 5 mm long. The head, torso and abdomen are flattened and hard, which makes them hard to crush.
The head and torso are brown and the belly is greenish yellow with light brown plates on the hind segments. The legs of flying ticks are strong and ending in large dark claws. Thanks to them, this insect, once it finds a host, loses its wings and sticks to the skin, making it difficult to pull them out. In general, the deer haircut is covered with strong, dark hair.
“Flying ticks” can be found basically all over the country. They inhabit forests and most often appear from May to September, but if the autumn is warm and rainless, you can come across them even until October or November.
These insects attack mainly forest animals, i.e. elk, deer, roe deer and badgers. After finding their victim, they bite it by clinging firmly to its skin, throw back their wings and drink their blood. However, “flying ticks” will not despise humans either.
Flying tick – symptoms of a bite
The bites of “flying ticks” are very painful, and to make matters worse, they fly in large groups and can easily enter the ears, nose or eyelid. Their legs are ended with hooks that hook them to the scalp and hair, which is why it is very difficult to braid them out. To stick to their prey, these insects lose their wings and start drinking blood. “Flying ticks” leave larvae on their prey, which fall to the ground and thus wait for the next feeding season. For deer wrens, humans are not the primary target, so they don’t breed on us, but only nourish themselves while searching.
The bite of these insects itches at first, and then begins to hurt. A lump appears at the site of the bite, which usually lasts for 2 to 3 weeks, but may remain on the skin for up to a year. Some people develop an allergic reaction with severe reddening of the skin that can last for several months.
Flying ticks can carry bacteria that cause diseases and skin lesions. According to some, these insects may be carriers of microorganisms that cause anaplasmosis and Lyme disease.
However, there is no evidence that wrens can transmit these diseases to humans. However, it should be borne in mind that the bites of “flying ticks” can cause a severe allergic reaction and breathing problems in people allergic to their venom (children are especially at risk). “Real” ticks are much more dangerous, as their bites do not hurt, but they can cause many serious diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to the annoying “flying tick” problem. It was once believed that camphor drops removed them in the old days, but this has not been scientifically proven. It has not been proven that popular mosquito repellants, flies and ticks also work against worms.
Some have suggested that since ants are natural predators of deer deer, formic acid may act as a deterrent. Some people believe in the power of garlic. However, it may be best to cover yourself in light-colored clothes with long sleeves and a hat before going out into the woods. Bright clothing is essential as these insects attack darkly colored prey.
It is also good for our outfit to be made of slippery material, which will make the attack of “flying ticks” more difficult. However, it should be remembered that due to their small size, the clippers are able to squeeze into every smallest crevice. In addition to an appropriate outfit, it is also a good idea to have antihistamine and resin cream with you in case you are bitten.