What are ticks?
Ticks are arachnids and develop through several stages from nymph to adult. All stages are parasitic and suck blood from their victims.
What types of ticks are there in Central Europe?
In Central Europe there are different tick species that differ in their preferred habitat and chosen victims.
The most common tick species in Central Europe is the common tick (Ixodes ricinus). This tick species is responsible for a large proportion of tick bites in humans and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
Immigrant tick species that are now also found in Central Europe include the meadow tick (Dermacentor reticulatus), the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and the particularly large tropical ticks (Hyalomna ticks). Further information on the various tick species can be found in the appendix.
In the coming years, global warming is expected to cause the spread of invasive tick species to continue to grow. Currently, the native species, the common tick, is by far the most relevant, so the rest of this text will focus primarily on this tick species.
When is there a risk of a tick bite?
Ultimately, you can become infected by a tick any time of year. However, the risk is particularly high in spring and fall, when temperatures are milder. The risk is lower in summer, when it's hot and dry, or in winter when temperatures drop below zero.
Where can ticks be found?
The common tick is commonly found in grassy and wooded areas. Therefore, the danger is particularly high when walking through undergrowth in forests or on paths with tall grass. You can also become infected with ticks while strolling in urban parks and gardens, including in your own garden.
Contrary to popular belief, ticks don't fall from trees. Most tick species are blind; they respond to the warmth of their prey and are usually picked up by brushing off vegetation. The exception is tropical ticks, which can see and actively pursue their prey.
Tips for protection against ticks
By being clever and vigilant, you can protect yourself from ticks and significantly reduce the risk of tick bites.
The following measures are useful for protection against ticks:
- When walking in the countryside, stick to clearly defined paths and avoid bumping into vegetation where ticks may be found.
- If necessary, wear long clothing to make it more difficult for ticks to access your skin.
- Use sprays or natural remedies like coconut oil to protect against ticks.
- When walking, check your clothing or skin regularly to remove any crawling ticks.
- It is best to take off your clothes outside and examine them thoroughly.
- Check yourself and other people or pets after spending time outdoors. Especially important are areas of the body such as the armpits, the area behind the ears, the backs of the knees, the navel, and the genital area.
- Shower after spending time outdoors.
Coconut oil against ticks
Scientific studies have shown that virgin coconut oil is more effective at repelling biting insects and ticks than common repellents (e.g., DEET) (1). At the same time, it is safe for health and the environment.
The reason for the tick-repellent effect is the lauric acid it contains. In a study at the Free University of Berlin, researchers used a 10 percent lauric acid solution and observed that between 81 and 100 percent of all ticks detached from the tested surface. The protective effect lasted for about 8 hours. A comparable effectiveness was also observed in human subjects (2).
High-quality coconut oil has a lauric acid content of up to 60% and is suitable as a natural tick repellent. For example, you can rub it on your lower legs or other body areas before going outdoors. Coconut oil is also popular in veterinary medicine and can be applied to the skin of dogs and cats. For cats, the neck, for example, is a good place to apply it.
How do you remove a tick correctly?
Remove each tick as soon as you find it. Grasp the tick with suitable tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick out slowly, not abruptly, but with a steady pull. Avoid twisting the tick.
Using this technique, you reduce the risk of squashing the tick and potentially introducing more pathogens and toxins into the body. You also prevent the mouthparts from escaping and becoming stuck.
What diseases can ticks transmit?
The most common tick-borne diseases in Germany are Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
Lyme disease – a serious disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
In Germany, depending on the region, up to one-third of ticks are infected with Borrelia. However, not every bite from an infected tick automatically leads to Lyme disease. This is because transmission of Borrelia usually begins after one to two days. Therefore, the sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of Borrelia infection (3).
One of the most common symptoms at the onset of infection is a spreading rash at the site of the tick bite, which develops within the first 3 to 30 days after the bite. This rash is also known as erythema migrans. However, this rash does not occur in all cases (3).
Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. Muscle and joint pain may also occur. However, many infections occur without visible signs of illness, making diagnosis difficult (3).
The Borrelia bacteria persist permanently in the body and late forms of Lyme disease can occur even months or years after the tick bite.
Late forms include neuroborreliosis, in which Borrelia bacteria attack the nervous system and can cause severe pain, paralysis, visual and hearing impairment, or numbness. Chronic forms also include Lyme arthritis, which is associated with chronic, relapsing joint inflammation and often affects the knee joints, as well as chronic inflammation of the skin (3).
TBE – Dangerous meningitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by the TBE virus. The prevalence of infected ticks varies greatly depending on the area.
Symptoms of the disease usually appear after 7 to 14 days and can be flu-like, including fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. In more severe cases, inflammation of the meninges and brain can occur, leading to neurological symptoms such as confusion, impaired consciousness, and paralysis. These symptoms can often last for months (4).
Vital substances for Lyme disease and TBE
Numerous micronutrients can effectively support the body in better coping with diseases such as Lyme disease and TBE.
We would like to recommend three preparations in particular that can support the immune system and the nervous system in a special way:
- Vitamin B Complex : B vitamins, especially vitamins B12, B6, and niacin, are essential for the normal function of the immune and nervous systems. Our Vitamin B Complex contains all eight B vitamins in an optimal combination and high dosage.
- DHA plus EPA : Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA plus EPA are important for the structure of cell membranes and also have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
- Vitamin D Complex : Vitamin D strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off infections. The Vitamin D Complex also contains two natural forms of vitamin C, which provide additional support for the immune system.
Sources:
- Zhu JJ, Cermak SC, Kenar JA, et al. Better than DEET Repellent Compounds Derived from Coconut Oil. Sci Rep 2018;8(1):14053. Published 2018 Sep 19.
- Schwantes U, Dautel H, Jung G. Prevention of infectious tick-borne diseases in humans: Comparative studies of the repellency of different dodecanoic acid-formulations against Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasite Vectors. 2008;1(1):8. Published 2008 Apr 8.
- Lyme borreliosis. Robert Koch Institute [Internet]. [Accessed on: April 30, 2024].
- TBE. Robert Koch Institute [Internet]. [Accessed on: April 30, 2024].
Attachment:
The most important tick species in Central Europe are:
Tick: The tick (Ixodes ricinus) is the most common tick species in Germany and is responsible for a large proportion of tick bites in humans. It can transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
Dermacentor ticks: These include the meadow tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) and the sheep tick (Dermacentor marginatus). These tick species rarely infect humans. However, meadow ticks are the vectors of babesiosis in dogs, a serious disease that is often fatal if left untreated.
Brown dog tick: The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) primarily infects dogs and transmits the pathogens that cause ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. In rare cases, it infects humans and can cause Mediterranean spotted fever. This tick species also survives indoors and is widespread throughout southern Europe. Species are regularly found in Germany.
Relic tick: The relic tick (Haemaphysalis concinna) is still rare in Germany. However, it is a potential carrier of TBE.
Hyalomna ticks: Ticks of the genus Hyalomna are also known as tropical ticks or giant ticks. This tick species is usually found in more southern regions, but can occasionally be found in Germany. It is known for transmitting diseases such as Crimean-Congo fever, which can cause severe bleeding. No cases have been reported in Germany to date, although they have been reported in southern European countries such as Portugal, Spain, and southern France.
