Coming across ticks in Lake Macquarie is just part of living here, especially during the warmer months. After playing outside, it’s a good idea to check for ticks, particularly if you’ve been walking through bushland, long grass, or leafy areas. Finding one can be a little unsettling, and there are plenty of old-fashioned ideas about the best way to remove them. Thankfully, the latest advice on tick removal makes a lot more sense!
Paralysis ticks in Lake Macquarie
With more than 70 species of ticks found in Australia, it’s no surprise that many are found along the east coast. In Lake Macquarie and surrounding areas, the paralysis tick is responsible for the vast majority of tick bites. It is also commonly known as a bush tick, grass tick or seed tick. So, what does a paralysis tick look like? That depends on its stage of life and whether it has started feeding.
The life of a tick
Paralysis ticks grow from an egg to a larva, which is brown and about one millimetre long, before reaching around two millimetres at the brown nymph stage. As they mature into adults, these blood-sucking ticks can grow up to five millimetres. Once they start feeding, they swell to around one centimetre and become a grey-blue colour. When ticks are very young and first land on your skin, they can be so small they look like a tiny black dot.
Can ticks jump?
Ticks can’t jump or fly, so how do they land on you? Ticks need blood to live and grow, and they aren’t fussy about where it comes from. It could be yours or your pet’s. They climb up long grass or hide on twigs and leaves, waiting for a person or animal to walk past. Once you brush against them, they latch on and find a suitable spot on the skin to feed. They can also crawl up the body, meaning they may eventually make their way towards your head.
How do you know you’ve been bitten?
It’s always a good idea to check yourself, your kids, and your pets after being outdoors, especially after exploring bushland or long grass. Don’t forget to check behind the ears and in other hidden spots where ticks can easily go unnoticed. A tick bite may cause redness, swelling, or itchiness around the bite, so try to avoid scratching. More serious symptoms can include headache, fever, feeling unwell, weakness, trouble walking, difficulty swallowing or facial weakness. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. Definitely not a fun souvenir from a day outdoors!
Allergic to ticks?
Some people can have an allergic reaction to ticks. Symptoms can include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, or, in severe cases, collapse. If you have a severe reaction or trouble breathing, call 000 immediately. For a less severe allergic reaction, seek medical advice from your doctor or head to the Emergency Department. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen, make sure it is always close by.
New recommendation for tick removal
If you’re not allergic to tick bites, remove the tick as soon as possible after finding it. The latest recommendation is to freeze the tick using a suitable freezing product, which can be purchased from a pharmacy. Products such as Wart-Off Freeze, Aerostart or Elastoplast Cold Spray may be used. The tick should die and drop off after about five minutes. Do not use tweezers, as this can increase the risk of squeezing the tick. If you’re unable to remove the tick safely or completely, seek medical advice.
Take steps to avoid a tick bite
- Cover up: Wear long pants tucked into your socks and long sleeves when heading into bushland or areas where ticks are common.
- Wear a hat: A wide-brimmed hat can help provide extra protection.
- Watch where you walk: Avoid long grass and thick bush, particularly after rain when ticks may be more active.
- Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Treat clothing: If spraying your clothes, use an insecticide containing permethrin.
- Check when you get home: Check yourself, your kids, pets, and clothing for ticks after being outdoors.
- Tumble dry clothes: Place clothes in a dryer for around 20 minutes to help kill any ticks that may be hiding in them.
References:
Health Direct: Tick bites – symptoms, treatments and prevention | healthdirect {Accessed November 2020}
Government Health: Department of Health | Tick bite prevention {Accessed November 2020}
