The tick is one of the most unpopular crawling creatures of all, as it can transmit serious diseases to humans and animals. But how does it actually get on our skin? Do ticks jump on us or fall from trees? The answers are here.
In a nutshell
- Tick belongs to the class of arachnids and there to the subclass of mites
- parasite that is distributed worldwide and feeds on the blood of numerous vertebrates
- The subject of numerous myths and fallacies
- For example, it cannot jump or fall from a tree
- does not bite, but stings
Arachnid and bloodsucker
The season of these arachnids and bloodsuckers begins in February and ends in October, depending on the weather. The tick, also known as the common wood tick (Ixodes ricinus), will not fall from a tree but may remain in a sheltered spot for days or weeks, waiting for a human or animal to pass by. Then it can switch to the so-called host in a flash.
Common Woodbuck (Ixodes ricinus)
It then wanders on clothing until it has found a suitable puncture site. Usually it stays at a body height of up to 60 cm, rarely higher. There are numerous confusing tick myths and misconceptions, but also solid tick facts that one should know in order to properly assess the health risks posed by these parasites.
Tick Myths
Ticks jump or fall from trees
- Ticks don't fall from trees
- can't jump either
- they climb on blades of grass or in bushes
- usually sit at knee or hip height
- not only found in the forest
- live in gardens, parks and other green areas
Ticks die in winter
- can survive for several weeks at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees
- hide in mouse dwellings in winter
- Bites also possible in autumn and mild winters
- increased activity in wet and mild winters
- from a temperature of five to seven degrees
ticks bite
- do not bite despite scissor-like mouthparts
- Mouthparts are used to slit the host's skin
- then pierce their proboscis into the skin
- start sucking blood
Notice: Female ticks can suck blood for up to ten days, males only one.
Although "tick bite" is used far more commonly, "tick bite" is the correct term.
Tick bite hurts
- one of the most common mistakes
- Tick numbs the puncture site with its saliva
- which prevents the blood from clotting and the puncture site from becoming inflamed
- Sting therefore does not cause pain
- very often goes unnoticed and undetected
Tip: The most dangerous ticks are always the ones that go undetected. You should be all the more vigilant after spending time outdoors.
Washing kills ticks
- Bloodsuckers are extremely resilient
- normal washing at 40 degrees does not kill them
- Temperatures of 60 degrees safest
- also die off in the tumble dryer
Remove with oil
- Stay away from oil, alcohol and other home remedies
- significantly increase the risk of contracting Lyme disease
- Ticks remain firmly anchored in the skin
- suffocate under the oil film
- vomit their intestinal contents into the wound
- dangerous bacteria get into the body
Tip: Ticks fall off on their own after a while, but until then they can transmit dangerous pathogens. They should therefore be removed or have them removed as soon as possible using special pliers.
tick facts
There are more than 900 tick species worldwide. In Germany, the already mentioned common woodbuck is the most dangerous. They observe their victims with the so-called Haller's organ, with which they can absorb scents from their environment. You should also know the facts about these parasites listed below so that you can react quickly and correctly if the worst comes to the worst.
Pets, and in many cases dogs frolicking in the grass, are valued intermediate hosts for ticks.
- next to mosquitoes, the biggest carriers and spreaders of diseases
- can survive underwater for up to three weeks
- in the freezer at minus twelve degrees for 24 hours
- in the apartment up to ten days
- can get into the house via pets (especially dogs).
- Woodbuck infected with the Borrelia bacterium are very active
- Bacteria responsible for Lyme disease
- more than half of all ticks are infected
- can sting their victims multiple times
- require a blood meal several times in their lives
- reach an age of up to nine years
- need a humid environment to survive
- particularly active after a rain shower
- become infected with pathogens via the blood of mice
- can go five years without food
frequently asked Questions
How many tick species are there in Germany?About 15 species live in Germany. Due to the changing climatic conditions, non-native species are also spreading to us. These include the Hyalomma tick, which originated in Africa, and the brown dog tick, which is native to the Mediterranean region. They also do not jump on their host, but behave in a similar way to the native tick.
Which animals can ticks attack?These animals live in forests, parks and gardens, as well as in meadows and along roadsides. As a result, both domestic animals such as dogs and cats and wild animals such as birds, horses, rodents and even reptiles can be infested and thus serve as hosts for the ticks.
Do these animals have natural enemies?The number of natural enemies is limited, but they exist. These include birds, ants, chalcids, nematodes and chickens, and sometimes also reptiles. In addition, so-called parasitic fungi can be fatal to these pests.
What parts of the body do you find them most often?In general, wooden blocks can sit on all parts of the body. But some are particularly popular. All thin, soft and well-perfused parts of the body such as the chest, stomach, back of the knees and the lumbar region. In children, they can sometimes appear on the neck or ear.