Ticks
While there are around 75 species of tick in Australia, it is the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) which appears to be responsible for most human bites on the east coast of Australia. It is found in many vegetation types, usually below one metre from the ground.
The tick has four life stages- egg, larvae, nymph and adult. Larva and nymph ticks are what most people refer to as grass ticks. These are active from autumn to winter with adults active in spring to midsummer.
The tick has four life stages- egg, larvae, nymph and adult. Larva and nymph ticks are what most people refer to as grass ticks. These are active from autumn to winter with adults active in spring to midsummer.
The barb of a paralysis tick - no wonder they’re hard to pull out
Don’t panic if you get a tick bite as it is very unlikely that it will make you sick. That said, it does seem that in rare cases tick bites can make you ill. Controversy continues regarding whether Lyme disease exists in Australia, but it does seem that a Lyme-like disease is around. Allergies to red meat have been associated with tick bites. If after a tick bite you get a “bull’s eye “rash around the bite see your doctor.
Using a personal insect repellent and tick resistant clothing will reduce the risk of getting a tick. Scabies ointment around the wrists, ankles and neck has been reported to be effective by local bush regenerators.
They are most common in early Spring. If you are doing and work in the bush or garden at this time, check yourself by running your fingers through your hair and changing clothes afterwards.
If you do find a tick attached to you or a loved one, never attempt to place any chemical such as methylated spirits onto the tick, nor should it be touched or disturbed, as the tick will inject saliva into the skin, which could make the situation worse. Rather, the tick should be sprayed with an aerosol insect repellent preferably containing pyrethrin or a pyrethroid. The combination of hydrocarbons and the pyrethrin acts as a narcotic and a toxicant, and prevents the tick from injecting its saliva. Lyclear, a scabies cream containing permethrin will also work well.
The tick should be sprayed again one minute later (or dabbed with the Lyclear) and left. After 24 hours it should drop off naturally or be gently removed with fine-tipped forceps. There is a new plastic device available from chemists that is cheap and effective for this.
It is normal for a tick bite to remain slightly itchy for several weeks, however if other symptoms develop, then a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Using a personal insect repellent and tick resistant clothing will reduce the risk of getting a tick. Scabies ointment around the wrists, ankles and neck has been reported to be effective by local bush regenerators.
They are most common in early Spring. If you are doing and work in the bush or garden at this time, check yourself by running your fingers through your hair and changing clothes afterwards.
If you do find a tick attached to you or a loved one, never attempt to place any chemical such as methylated spirits onto the tick, nor should it be touched or disturbed, as the tick will inject saliva into the skin, which could make the situation worse. Rather, the tick should be sprayed with an aerosol insect repellent preferably containing pyrethrin or a pyrethroid. The combination of hydrocarbons and the pyrethrin acts as a narcotic and a toxicant, and prevents the tick from injecting its saliva. Lyclear, a scabies cream containing permethrin will also work well.
The tick should be sprayed again one minute later (or dabbed with the Lyclear) and left. After 24 hours it should drop off naturally or be gently removed with fine-tipped forceps. There is a new plastic device available from chemists that is cheap and effective for this.
It is normal for a tick bite to remain slightly itchy for several weeks, however if other symptoms develop, then a doctor should be consulted immediately.