WARNING TICKS!!!! - please read

wepn

The Barking Owl ?
Jul 18, 2019
1,006
1,145
AU
I have just come out of a ten day stay in hospital having contracted tick borne encephalitis.
Sorry to hear & wish you a full & fast recovery. Fuqn ticks, also freakn mozzies & midgies are the only creatures I'd go well out of my way to eliminate.
It is a good idea to carry a proper pair of Tick Tweezers
Snap freezing them is even more effective & satisfying revenge.

TICKTOX_PRODUCT_NEW_LABEL_PRODUCT_007_FINAL_WHITE.jpg
 

TheRealPoMo

Active member
Apr 18, 2020
200
155
Queensland
Put DEET around your ankles , wrists and around your neck .
Thats where the ticks gain entry to our skin . They will attach to your clothes then march on up or down to a spot with warmth and good blood flow .

Tuck your trouser leg into your socks if you`re wearing long pants . That thwarts a lot of the fckers . Cant just crawl up your leg to your groin and attach . I hear you knockin but you can`t come in . lol .

I have had 100s , luckily no Lymes disease in Oz .

I have had 100s , luckily no Lymes disease in Oz .

I know a lady here who has it - if you as a European doctor anyway. Australian doctors don't believe in it apparently.

Anyway, we have paralysis ticks.
Australia always has the nastiest, most dangerous creepy crawlies....and that just the Women
 

B1rdie

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Subscriber
Feb 14, 2019
898
1,101
Brazil
I use to take one ivermectin 6mg pill every year when winter begins, and ticks become a concern.
This drug acts like a poison that remains on the blood and will kill the creatures before they fix.
 

wepn

The Barking Owl ?
Jul 18, 2019
1,006
1,145
AU
I use to take one ivermectin 6mg pill every year when winter begins, and ticks become a concern.
This drug acts like a poison that remains on the blood and will kill the creatures before they fix.

A Japanese wonder drug no less.

..highly effective and broad-spectrum, safe, well tolerated and could be easily administered (a single, annual oral dose). It is used to treat a variety of internal nematode infections, including Onchocerciasis, Strongyloidiasis, Ascariasis, cutaneous larva migrans, filariases, Gnathostomiasis and Trichuriasis, as well as for oral treatment of ectoparasitic infections, such as Pediculosis (lice infestation) and scabies (mite infestation).14) Ivermectin is the essential mainstay of two global disease elimination campaigns that should soon rid the world of two of its most disfiguring and devastating diseases, Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis, which blight the lives of billions of the poor and disadvantaged throughout the tropics.

It is likely that, throughout the next decade, well over 200 million people will be taking the drug annually or semi-annually, via innovative globally-coordinated Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programmes. Indeed, the discovery, development and deployment of ivermectin, produced by an unprecedented partnership between the Private Sector pharmaceutical multinational Merck & Co. Inc., and the Public Sector Kitasato Institute in Tokyo, aided by an extraordinary coalition of multidisciplinary international partners and disease-affected communities, has been recognized by many experts and observers as one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century.

Ivermectin, ‘Wonder drug’ from Japan: the human use perspective
 

Zimmerframe

MUPPET
Subscriber
Jun 12, 2019
14,028
20,817
Brittany, France
I use to take one ivermectin 6mg pill every year when winter begins, and ticks become a concern.
This drug acts like a poison that remains on the blood and will kill the creatures before they fix.
We use it as a horse wormer on an alternating mix with other wormers .. Have also used it as a dog wormer in the past, but never considered it myself ... will have to give it a go .. come as a paste for the horses. Might explain why the horses get less ticks than you'd expect.

Another, far less scientific document than @wepn more focussed at stupid people, like me, about it :

 

Zimmerframe

MUPPET
Subscriber
Jun 12, 2019
14,028
20,817
Brittany, France
Decidedly not! I have a narrowboat, Assorted Fishists and Maggot Drowners are a nuisance, get in everybody's way.
Doh .. "fishing lines" .. that was supposed to be a play on "fishing lines" - for fishing ... and "fishing lines" ... all your fabulous one liners about fishing !!!!

For your punishment,or maybe mine for my crap delivery, you shall be directed to the official archivist of all things e-narrowboat : @routrax
 

jimriley

New Member
Jul 5, 2020
5
4
Littleborough
Doh .. "fishing lines" .. that was supposed to be a play on "fishing lines" - for fishing ... and "fishing lines" ... all your fabulous one liners about fishing !!!!

For your punishment,or maybe mine for my crap delivery, you shall be directed to the official archivist of all things e-narrowboat : @routrax
So what's he done to deserve it then?.
I know a chap with a fully electric boat, a Broads Cruiser, roof full of solar feeding LFP batteries with a lynch motor.
 

Zimmerframe

MUPPET
Subscriber
Jun 12, 2019
14,028
20,817
Brittany, France
So what's he done to deserve it then?.
I know a chap with a fully electric boat, a Broads Cruiser, roof full of solar feeding LFP batteries with a lynch motor.
Sounds like the same boat ! I think he has electric fans on the front of the boat blowing backwards for propulsion and wind turbines at the back to catch the moving air and charge the batteries back up. It's like a perpetual motion machine.
 

Jackware

Fat-tyred Freakazoid
Subscriber
Oct 30, 2018
2,084
2,296
Lancashire
Snap freezing them is even more effective & satisfying revenge.

When I was a kid the old woman who lived next door was a chain smoker and helped at the local animal sanctuary. I remember her showing me how to remove ticks from the various cats and dogs she had at any time by touching the end of a lit cigarette to the tick making it suddenly lose interest in sucking blood!
 

GrahamPaul

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Nov 6, 2019
1,127
1,088
Andalucía
Interesting... I have had 2 ticks on me this year already. much more than usual.
I haven't had the vaccination.

As you're in Germany, the vaccination should be available at your local GP and is covered by your medical insurance.

Around 2007 I had this Pfizer FSME vaccination (a course of 3 injections) because there was a massive outbreak of ticks in our area. The vaccination needs a refresher every 3 years.
 

Nicho

Captain Caption
Subscriber
Jan 4, 2020
1,048
1,923
Furness, South Cumbria.
When I was a kid the old woman who lived next door was a chain smoker and helped at the local animal sanctuary. I remember her showing me how to remove ticks from the various cats and dogs she had at any time by touching the end of a lit cigarette to the tick making it suddenly lose interest in sucking blood!

That method was discredited by medical professionals some years ago, together with smothering it in vaseline, as it can kill the tick whilst it still has its mouthparts buried in you, and it is then very hard to remove all of it.
 

Nicho

Captain Caption
Subscriber
Jan 4, 2020
1,048
1,923
Furness, South Cumbria.
By coincidence this article appeared in tonight's local paper:

16 hrs ago How to avoid contracting Lyme disease from ticks this summer

By Newsquest Digital Content Team

How to avoid contracting Lyme disease from tick bites this summer


How to avoid contracting Lyme disease from tick bites this summer










The summer season is finally among us and what better way to make the most of it than spending time in the great outdoors.
Staying active and getting outside has arguably never been more important than in the last few months.
But spending more time among nature means a heightened risk of tick bites, which can, in some cases, result in Lyme disease.
What are ticks?


Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of animals and humans, and are commonly found in woodland and moorland, particularly in areas with long grass.

They don't jump or fly, but will climb on to you if you brush against something they're on. The tick will then bite and attach to the skin, where they will feed on blood for several days before dropping off.
Ticks are commonly found in woodland, moorland and long, grassy areas (Photo: Shutterstock)
Ticks are most active between spring and autumn and are widespread across the UK, but the most high-risk areas include grassy and wooded areas in southern England and the Scottish Highlands.

What are the health risks?


The Mail:

Lyme Disease can sometimes be transmitted by the bite of a tick which is infected with borrelia burgdorferi, although only around 10 per cent of ticks carry the harmful bacteria.
According to Public Health England, you are more likely to become infected if the tick remains attached to your skin for more than 24 hours, but since they are small and their bites are not painful, they can be easy to miss.

The NHS advises seeking treatment from your GP promptly if you spot any of the following symptoms:
A circular red skin rash around a tick biteA high temperature, or feeling hot and shiveryHeadachesMuscle and joint painTiredness and loss of energy
Some people can develop more severe symptoms of Lyme disease months or even years later if treatment is delayed, including:
Pain and swelling in jointsNerve problems, such as pain or numbnessHeart problemsTrouble with memory or concentration

If your GP suspects you have Lyme disease, they will prescribe a three week course of antibiotics to treat it.
Where do ticks usually bite?


Ticks prefer moist areas of the body and are often found in harder to see areas of the body, such as in the folds of the skin.
Ticks can be removed with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool (Photo: Shutterstock)
Areas including the groin, armpits, back of the knees and on the scalp are common areas for ticks to attach.
How to get rid of a tick
To remove a tick safely, the NHS advises taking the following steps:
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, which can be bought from some pharmacies, vets and pet shopsGrasp the tick as close to the skin as possibleSlowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tickDispose of it when you have removed itClean the bite with antiseptic, or soap and waterContact your GP if you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or develop a spreading circular red rash
How to avoid ticks
If you have been walking through high risk areas, such as woodland or long grass, it is advisable to check yourself for ticks as a precaution, paying close attention to folds in the skin and the hairline.
To reduce the risk of being bitten, take the following precautions when heading outdoors:
Cover your skin when walking outdoorsTuck your trousers into your socks, or wear longer socks when walking through long grassUse insect repellent on your clothes and skin - products containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effectiveStick to paths wherever possibleWear light-coloured clothing, so ticks are easier to spot and brush offCarry out a tick check







 

Jackware

Fat-tyred Freakazoid
Subscriber
Oct 30, 2018
2,084
2,296
Lancashire
That method was discredited by medical professionals some years ago, together with smothering it in vaseline, as it can kill the tick whilst it still has its mouthparts buried in you, and it is then very hard to remove all of it.
There's another childhood memory up in smoke ?
 

GrahamPaul

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Nov 6, 2019
1,127
1,088
Andalucía
By coincidence this article appeared in tonight's local paper:

16 hrs ago How to avoid contracting Lyme disease from ticks this summer

By Newsquest Digital Content Team

How to avoid contracting Lyme disease from tick bites this summer


How to avoid contracting Lyme disease from tick bites this summer










The summer season is finally among us and what better way to make the most of it than spending time in the great outdoors.
Staying active and getting outside has arguably never been more important than in the last few months.
But spending more time among nature means a heightened risk of tick bites, which can, in some cases, result in Lyme disease.
What are ticks?


Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of animals and humans, and are commonly found in woodland and moorland, particularly in areas with long grass.

They don't jump or fly, but will climb on to you if you brush against something they're on. The tick will then bite and attach to the skin, where they will feed on blood for several days before dropping off.
Ticks are commonly found in woodland, moorland and long, grassy areas (Photo: Shutterstock)
Ticks are most active between spring and autumn and are widespread across the UK, but the most high-risk areas include grassy and wooded areas in southern England and the Scottish Highlands.

What are the health risks?


The Mail:

Lyme Disease can sometimes be transmitted by the bite of a tick which is infected with borrelia burgdorferi, although only around 10 per cent of ticks carry the harmful bacteria.
According to Public Health England, you are more likely to become infected if the tick remains attached to your skin for more than 24 hours, but since they are small and their bites are not painful, they can be easy to miss.

The NHS advises seeking treatment from your GP promptly if you spot any of the following symptoms:
A circular red skin rash around a tick biteA high temperature, or feeling hot and shiveryHeadachesMuscle and joint painTiredness and loss of energy
Some people can develop more severe symptoms of Lyme disease months or even years later if treatment is delayed, including:
Pain and swelling in jointsNerve problems, such as pain or numbnessHeart problemsTrouble with memory or concentration

If your GP suspects you have Lyme disease, they will prescribe a three week course of antibiotics to treat it.
Where do ticks usually bite?


Ticks prefer moist areas of the body and are often found in harder to see areas of the body, such as in the folds of the skin.
Ticks can be removed with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool (Photo: Shutterstock)
Areas including the groin, armpits, back of the knees and on the scalp are common areas for ticks to attach.
How to get rid of a tick
To remove a tick safely, the NHS advises taking the following steps:
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, which can be bought from some pharmacies, vets and pet shopsGrasp the tick as close to the skin as possibleSlowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tickDispose of it when you have removed itClean the bite with antiseptic, or soap and waterContact your GP if you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or develop a spreading circular red rash
How to avoid ticks
If you have been walking through high risk areas, such as woodland or long grass, it is advisable to check yourself for ticks as a precaution, paying close attention to folds in the skin and the hairline.
To reduce the risk of being bitten, take the following precautions when heading outdoors:
Cover your skin when walking outdoorsTuck your trousers into your socks, or wear longer socks when walking through long grassUse insect repellent on your clothes and skin - products containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effectiveStick to paths wherever possibleWear light-coloured clothing, so ticks are easier to spot and brush offCarry out a tick check








Ugly bastards, aren't they? :sick: Almost as bad as bedbugs for making me want to chuck ?

One thing to keep in mind: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which can be treated with antibiotics. FSME (Tick-borne "Early Summer Menigoencephalitis") is a viral infection for which there is no cure. In bad cases, you'll end up on a respirator and it can kill you (1-2%).

If you are going to an infected area, I urge you to have the vaccination - and still use plenty of DEET.

Wikipedia has a nice little map showing you the infected areas.
 

JaySal

New Member
Sep 23, 2019
30
23
Todwick
You can get something with Permethrin in, you put it on your clothes. I’ve tried everything to stop things biting me from Avon to Deet but horse flys still take the risk and love to bite and suck on me. I guess I must be an Ass like people keep telling me.
 

InRustWeTrust

E*POWAH Master
Mar 9, 2020
524
758
Sweden
Here in Sweden we have a big problem with the tics and the disease TBE is very common. I have vaccinated myself and yes it is expensiv bit it is sooo worth it.

My Buddy scrathed His balls very much after a ride beacuse it was itching and when he looked he had a tic under his ballsack ?.
 

Janc

Active member
Oct 22, 2019
230
132
Dorset
Had my first tick on me ever this summer. The dog gets them regularly, but we remove them. FYI Dorset UK based. Not hear any local comments about contracting Lyme disease
 

jeroen

Active member
Jul 8, 2020
75
97
Switzerland
One extra thing to note here is that ticks used to stay below 900m, but recently warnings have gone out that you can expect them up to 1100m... thus even ticks evolve.

Stay safe!
 

Sapientiea

Active member
Jul 12, 2019
296
192
Netherlands
I have just come out of a ten day stay in hospital having contracted tick borne encephalitis. I've actually been ill for six weeks, but eventually I had to be hopitalised, where a lumbar puncture confirmed I had the disease. It has a fatality rate of between 1 -2%. Although I am now making a recovery, my balance is poor and I find some tasks difficult. No one knows how much permanent there will be or how long it will take, let alone when I'll be able to drive and more importantly ride my bike. The annoying thing is that I had no idea about this disease and I have no recollection of finding a tick on me. Also, one can be vaccinated against it. The Swiss army routinely vaccinate all their recruits against it (I live in Switzerland). It is quite widespread in Europe (I don't think it is the UK yet). So, if you are coming on holiday to mainland Europe, please check yourself very carefully after a ride and you might want to talk to your doctor about vaccination.
Yeah that is some nasty bug. You can also get it from drinking raw milk of cheese as cattle can also be infected and transmit it. Maybe that could be your source?
 
Last edited:

Swissrider

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
368
384
Switzerland
Yes, they have been found up to 1500m. Quick update (see original post at the start of this thread); I had follow up from the Head of Neurology at the end of July, who pronounced me fit and well. He said that when I was ill in hospital they were very worried and not sure I’d even make it, which is pretty sobering. I was due to transfer to a specialist neurological unit for rehabilitation but after ten days in hospital the doctors decided this was not necessary as I had made a “miraculous” recovery, and allowed me to go home. I then had physiotherapy every day, mainly to work on balance and this went on for about a month. When I left hospital I had a long series of tests with the neuropsychologist to assess my cognitive ability. As result of this I was not allowed to drive although fortunately she forgot to mention cycling! I got back on my road ebike about a week into my physio and shortly afterwards on my mountain ebike. As a result of not being able to drive I’ve done several thousands of kilomètres of mountain biking (sometimes pretty technical ), road ebiking and normal road biking. It has helped that here in Switzerland we’ve had a fantastic summer. Basically, the cycling kept me sane. After many delays and cockups I was finally reassessed by the neuropsychologist at the beginning of October and she said I could drive again, although she wants me to have a driving assessment with a specialist driving instructor, despite being comfortable on demanding technical downhill runs On my mountain bike. Anyway, that’s my story and I would thoroughly recommend anyone coming to the Alps or who rides here to get the vaccination. Its a small chance of catching tick bourn encephalitis (1% of ticks carry the pathogen) but it’s still not worth the risk. All my family and friends have now been vaccinated with no side effects. Lyme disease is also a problem so it’s also worth doing everything you can to avoid being bitten.
 

jeroen

Active member
Jul 8, 2020
75
97
Switzerland
@Swissrider good to hear that you are fully recovered, horrible having to think about that.

Your story does lead me to soon go to my doctor to get vaccinated as just do not want any of that.

Maps.geo.admin.ch - TBE (for people that do not know it, that is a really cool site with info about all kinds of things in Switzerland) shows that there are no reported bites in my area fortunately, but better safe than sorry. Yep, which means when out in public for that other disease you really do not want: Wear a mask!
 

Monkey Dog

Active member
Jun 4, 2020
250
166
Derbyshire
I do a lot of shooting & if I shoot locally (walking distance), I take my Rottweiler with me. She had a Tick just above her eye the other week. It was promptly removed.
I'm surprised I've never had one as I'm always out doors shooting, walking or cycling.
My Dad's a retired farmer & he warned me as child about them. Sheep & Deer are the worst for carrying them apparently.
 

Akelu

Active member
Jul 31, 2020
201
137
Australia
Ticks are fucked...

Me and my two best friends went camping (in Australia), we all got bit by about 20 ticks each and left within an hour didn't even take our tent down cuz they were all over it..

We ended up getting Lyme-like disease (strain of Borrelia, same type as Lyme), Bartonella and babesia from those tick bites..

It's usually not just the one infection..

Ended up causing 'msids' - multiple systemic infectious disease syndrome.

Two of us got on long term antibiotics made about 90% recovery.

Other one couldn't afford treatment as it's not recognized also his parents are super narcissistic so they were not supportive of him, saying stuff like "it's all in your head" "your just lazy" "it's just an excuse", he ended up passing away a few years ago, it just all got too much for him.

If you ever get a tick bite, make sure you remove it properly. Do not put a flame to it. Do not cover it with Vaseline or any other substance. Those can freak the tick out and make it vomit it's guts into you (which is where the infections are). The only way is to use tweezers or a tick removal device and twist/pull as close to the skin as you can.

Also if you get a rash that looks like a bullseye anywhere on your body (also it can take a while for it to appear even some months), then you need to go on antibiotics and many doctors may not prescribe so need to find someone who has treated tick born infection patients previously.

Get into a habit of searching each other's bodies after you go in the bush especially if walking through tall grass or lots of leaves. Head to toe.

Also learn the symptoms of tick born diseases, the main thing that will make it serious is if you go a long time with the symptoms without treatment.

Wouldn't wish this stuff on my worst enemy.

Read: https://www.lymeactionnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MSIDS.pdf
 

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