The Auwald tick is spreading in German gardens and poses a danger to humans and animals. But what makes this tick species so dangerous – and can you protect yourself?
In recent years, the alluvial forest tick, also known as Dermacentor reticulatus, has been of increasing concern in Germany. This species of tick was originally native to the wetlands of Eastern Europe, but is becoming more widespread. In the meantime, the little bloodsuckers are increasingly being spotted in German gardens and parks. But what exactly makes the Auwald tick so dangerous for humans?
On the way – Auwald tick to be found in more and more German gardens
The Auwald tick has spread increasingly in Germany in recent years. Originally it was mainly found in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, but there are now reports of sightings in other federal states. Of particular concern is the fact that the alluvial forest tick is also spreading in urban areas such as parks and gardens, which are particularly popular on sunny, mild days.
Particularly mean: Since the winters tend to be milder, some types of ticks, such as MyHomebook reported to be active as early as January and into November and December – including above all the alluvial forest tick. It is therefore to be regarded as almost a year-round danger.
Distribution of ticks in Germany
The danger from ticks is present in all federal states of Germany, but the frequency of transmission of diseases such as TBE varies regionally. The highest TBE case numbers are recorded in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Thuringia, while comparatively fewer cases occur in the other federal states. The distribution of Lyme disease, on the other hand, is similar throughout Germany.
It is therefore advisable to take the appropriate tick protection measures even in areas with a low incidence of TBE, since every tick bite represents a potential danger. By the way: You can also find help against ticks in your supplies.
Auwald tick or not? How to recognize it
The Auwald tick differs from other tick species in its distinctive appearance. Loud mine scout, a pro when it comes to bugs, this type of tick is easy to recognize by its back shield. This is light, almost whitish, and appears marbled or spotted. At the outer edge, the shield turns red-orange. In the case of the male animal, the drawing extends over the entire shield. In the female it is smaller. In contrast to the Holzbock, the most common type of tick in Germany, Auwald ticks have a pair of eyes. They are located on the side of the shield, between the second and third pair of legs.
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The Auwald tick is a danger to humans
The alluvial forest tick is considered to be particularly dangerous for humans because it is a carrier of pathogens. In particular, the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) transmitted by them can have serious consequences. This inflammation of the brain can lead to paralysis, seizures and even death. Another tick-borne disease is babesiosis. The symptoms are similar to those of the flu and can range from fever to body aches to skin rashes.
Typhus, also loud SWR a disease transmitted by the Auwald tick is characterized by sudden, severe headaches, body aches, rapidly increasing fever and chills. In addition, the skin shows a rash with patches of red, pink and purple. Typhus is one of the notifiable diseases, but can usually be treated well with medication.
Did you know? Tick bite instead of tick bite
In everyday life, most people probably talk about tick bites. But that’s not scientifically correct. Because ticks have a proboscis (hypostome) through which they suck blood and mouthparts that are reminiscent of heavy ones (chelicerae). They use these to separate the skin and then pierce it.
What is the best way to protect yourself from the Auwald tick?
Good to know: experts suspect that the alluvial forest tick bites no more often than other types of ticks. Nevertheless, there are some measures that you can take to protect yourself from a tick bite and thus from a possible infection. One option here is to use insect repellents that specifically work against ticks. Wearing closed clothing can also help keep ticks away. In the garden itself you can rely on certain plants that repel ticks or use certain home remedies.
It is also important to check yourself regularly for ticks – especially after spending time in meadows, in forests or in the garden. Ticks prefer warm and moist areas on the body, such as the back of the knees or the neck. Therefore, these areas should be carefully examined.
This article was created with the help of machines and carefully reviewed by editor Anna Heyers before publication.
2023-04-28 13:18:39
#protect #spread
