How to deal with ticks…
By their very nature, archaeology sites are often located in the middle of nowhere – the kind of habitat frequented by sheep, deer… and ticks. The sites around Tinnis Castle are prime tick territory – read on for some tickilish titbits, advice and information.
There are around 20 species of tick in the UK. They are specialist parasites which are related to spiders, scorpions and mites. They can be found anywhere there is wildlife and livestock, but different ticks tend to prefer the blood of a specific host. The most common ticks in Scotland are the sheep tick [Ixodes ricunus] or deer tick [Ixodes scapularis]. These ticks are less fussy about their food-source. Other ticks that have been found on humans include the Hedgehog tick [Ixodes hexagonus] and the Rabbit tick [Ixodes ventalloi].
What Habitat do Ticks prefer?
A tick’s preferred habitat is woodland and moorland, in thick vegetation and long grass. (Think about the areas where their favourite food sources roam!) They are most often problematic for humans in the warmer months when shorts might be worn (March to October in optimistic years). Unlike other pesky biting insects (like midgies), ticks don’t fly. They climb onboard animals or humans as they brush past.
Tick Identification:
- Ticks tend to be flat and oval-shaped when hungry
- They can be as small as a poppy seed when young but can look like a tiny wee spider when older
- When they have filled up on blood, a tick can be as big as 1cm in length and bean shaped
- You are much more likely to notice a tick that has started to engorge itself with your blood than one that has just latched on
- Adult ticks have 8 legs, while larvae only have 6
- They can be any shade of brown from grey/brown to black/brown to yellowish/brown
How to Prevent tick bites:
- Know a little about their anticks…
- Cover bare skin – wear long trousers and tuck them into your socks
- Use a tried and tested insect repellent on clothes and skin e.g. Smidge or Avon Skin so Soft
- Keep to paths, where possible (avoid long grass and thick vegetation)
- Wear pale coloured clothing (so ticks are more visible)
- Brush down clothing before coming indoors
- Shower when you get in – to wash off unattached ticks and to do a thorough tick-check
What to do if you do get a tick passenger:
Be aware!
Purchase a tick remover/tool/key/hook/card…in advance.
Keep it somewhere ‘sensible’ that you’re likely to remember! (Tweezers work well if you use them correctly).
Removing a tick quickly and safely greatly reduces the risk of becoming unwell.
Don’t panic!
Find out in advance what to do – acquaint yourself with a video that shows how to use the tool you have.
- Note – don’t use e.g. a lit cigarette/ match head/ alcohol or petroleum jelly – these are not recommended methods
– they can provoke the tick to eject the contents of its stomach back into you (including bacteria, increasing the possibility of infection)
– or make it too slippery to remove completely, or keep the tick attached for longer than necessary
After care!
After removing the tick, wash the skin and hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Apply an antiseptic to the skin.
Keep a beady eye on the area.
Do – Continue enjoying being out and about in the great outdoors!
Lyme disease – for information:
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which is transmitted by tick bites; but not all ticks carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.
If you are bitten, it doesn’t mean that you will be infected.
That said, it is good to be aware of the symptoms. And don’t hesitate to see your GP if you start to feel unwell – the sooner the better (antibiotics given within 72 hours have the best chance of success) or if you have any other symptoms within a few weeks of your tick bite.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
The most usual first symptom of Lyme disease is a round, pink or red rash around the area of the bite. It can start from anything between three to 30 days after the tick bite. The rash can look like a ‘bullseye’ or a dartboard.
You may also start to feel flu-y, with headaches, sore joints and muscles and feel more tired than usual.
Useful Info:
NHS Scotland suggest that after a tick bite, you keep an eye on anywhere you have been bitten by a tick. There is no need to consult your GP if you have been bitten and have no symptoms. However, if you develop a rash or experience flu-like symptoms after being bitten, then you should speak to your GP.
A stone’s throw from the dig >>this video<< published by Southern Upland Way ranger Tom Henry has a wealth of information about ticks and Lyme disease.
For an in-depth guide to everything tick related, have a look at the government “Be tick aware toolkit”.
