Photo: AP archive
Ticks usually start hunting in April. This year we had a very warm March. Even sowing in the region began earlier. The ticks also woke up and went on the attack ahead of the curve. According to operational monitoring data from Rospotrebnadzor, the number of ticks is now 20 individuals per kilometer of travel. Soon these little parasites will become even more active, experts warn.
The number of ticks is rapidly increasing and will reach its maximum by the beginning of the second ten days of May. The greatest risk of bites and tick-borne infections will continue until mid-to-late June, depending on the weather. At this time, many go to their gardens and dachas to barbecue in nature, and schoolchildren and their teachers go on hiking trips. You need to be alert and know how to protect yourself from ticks.
And you especially need to be attentive to young children who are not protected by anti-encephalitis vaccinations. Therefore, if a child is bitten by a tick, he must be taken to the emergency room if you live in Blagoveshchensk, or shown to a rural paramedic if you live in a village. Doctors will remove the tick, after which the bloodsucker must be checked for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus.
— Such studies are carried out in the laboratory of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology. And for all children in the Amur region, this service is free - it doesn’t matter whether the territory in which you live is endemic or not,” emphasizes Natalya Lipskaya, chief physician of the Amur Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases. — If the test results are positive, if laboratory technicians detect an encephalitis virus, the child will be given anti-tick immunoglobulin free of charge.
Manufacturers offer all kinds of repellents created specifically to protect against tick bites. But remember: there are no safe anti-tick products applied to the skin.
“Children under 3 years of age should not use protective aerosols,” doctors warn, “because all anti-tick agents are very toxic. — If you decide to apply repellent, then only on the lower parts of the baby’s pants. And the baby stroller must be treated with aerosols - not only the wheels, but also its sides.
Some people use mosquito repellent to repel ticks. Under no circumstances should this be done. A tick that comes into the zone of action of such a drug only gets excited. Usually the bloodsucker quietly crawls through the body, choosing a better place, and this takes 2-3 hours. During this time, it can be noticed and removed from clothing or shaken off. And excited by mosquito repellent, the bloodsucker quickly bites into any place.
It is better to walk through the forest at this time of year, when ticks are awake and especially active, along wide paths. Avoid places where you need to push aside tree branches and make your way through bushes.
Our ancestors used various tinctures and ointments to repel ticks. You can use their experience, although no ointment will protect your baby 100%.
But still, some essential oils help prevent bites.
The most effective means of protection:
≈ clove oil;
≈ rosemary oil;
≈ lavender oil;
≈ mint;
≈ menthol.
Clothes should be light colors to help spot ticks faster.
The child has a hood or scarf on his head.
The shirt or jacket has long sleeves and preferably with elastic bands.
Be sure to tuck your shirt into your trousers.
Pants legs should be long and tucked into socks.
Check your child's clothes every half hour if possible.
If the tick is removed in a timely manner—within 24 hours after the bite—then the likelihood of getting sick is almost zero. Therefore, upon returning from the forest, carefully examine the child.
When examining a child, pay special attention to:
scalp and hairline;
area around the ears and look into the ears;
armpits;
waist and navel area;
groin and perineum;
under the knees;
between the toes.
Ticks have become a real disaster that makes it impossible to relax either in the forest or in the city. Their early activity this spring worries doctors and the Amur Rospotrebnadzor. Moreover, due to general warming in recent years, encephalitis carriers have begun to be discovered even in those areas of the Amur region that were never considered endemic in our country.
20 % tick-borne infections are not detected and the disease becomes chronic.
60 percent of those who suffered tick-borne encephalitis and survived remain deeply disabled! But besides encephalitis, forest bloodsuckers can be carriers of other dangerous diseases. Among them are borreliosis, rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis - this is such an infectious “solitaire”. Amur doctors make the first three diagnoses annually. As for the last two infections, a small percentage of ticks infected by these pathogens in our region has been recorded, but Rospotrebnadzor has not yet received official data that residents of the region suffered from ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis.
However, according to infectious disease specialists, about 20% of tick-borne infections in our country are not deciphered by experts at all. Moreover, if a timely diagnosis is not made and treatment is not applied, the diseases become chronic. Such patients are already identified in neurological and cardiological hospitals - with lesions of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, or in trauma departments with lesions of the joints.
Ticks are most active in the morning from 8 to 11 and in the evening from 17 to 19. Those who are going on a hike during the May holidays will benefit from the advice of biologist and experienced tourist Olga Borovikova.
— It is better to choose a place for rest or a tourist camp during the period of tick activity in a pine forest or on a sandy area. If you decide to settle in a forest clearing, then first clear the area of dry grass and dead wood. And spray insect repellent around your campsite to repel insects. Today they can be purchased in any department of household chemicals. The main thing is to look at the label carefully. Because there are different repellents - both for mosquitoes and for midges. There must be an inscription: against ticks.
Age category of materials: 18+
- Irina Anatolyeva
- Amurskaya Pravda from 04/04/2017
Reasons for concern
Every spring, Russians are warned about increased tick activity. Just a couple of years ago, if a person was exclusively a city dweller and preferred to vacation abroad on the beaches, the risk of encountering these insects was minimal. Now arthropods of the ixodid family are increasingly penetrating into the urban environment. The insect bite itself is not dangerous to humans. The wound remaining at the site of suction is very small, does not cause any discomfort and heals quickly. The problem is that ticks often carry dangerous diseases. By biting the skin, the insect releases a small amount of its saliva into the bloodstream with substances that slow down clotting and suppress local immunity. If the parasite is infected, the viruses will freely enter the human body. Ticks can carry:
- tick paralysis;
- viral fever;
- tick-borne encephalitis;
- typhus;
- Lyme disease.
The onset of infection occurs unnoticed, especially if the bite has not been recorded. The first symptoms appear after about 2-3 weeks. Viruses carried by insects mainly affect the nervous system. At first, a slight malaise and weakness appear. Then there may be severe headaches, cramps, paralysis of individual muscles or the entire limb. Tactile and partially pain sensitivity disappears. Body temperature rises to 39-40°C. It is important to quickly seek medical help, as someone bitten can fall into a coma and even die.
Anti-tick medications for children over 3 years old
Many brands can offer a good product. In this case, the active substance is the insecticide DEET at a concentration of no more than 7%. Creams, lotions, sprays, and aerosols are made on its basis. The maximum effect when applied to skin lasts 1 hour, clothing – 2 hours. It is allowed to treat a child against ticks again 2 hours after the first application, no more than 1 time per day.
- OFF-children. It is produced in the form of a spray or cream. The concentration of the active substance is 5%. The spray is used to treat clothes and objects, and the cream is applied to open areas of the skin. Can be used from 3 years of age. The cost of the spray is 110 rubles, the cream – 150 rubles.
- DEFI-TAIGA, BABY. Tick repellent for children over 3 years old. Produced in the form of a spray or lotion. Smells pleasant, does not stain clothes, does not leave a sticky feeling. The average cost of the drugs is 100 rubles, enough for 1 month of active use.
- Biban. Produced in gel form. Apply to the skin. The concentration of the active substance is 7%. Smells pleasant, absorbs quickly, does not leave a sticky feeling. Protects for 1-2 hours. Great for a walk near the house, on the shore of a pond. The price of a tube with a capacity of 75 ml is within 90 rubles.
Anti-tick medications for children over 3 years old - Moskitol Gentle protection. Available in the form of cream and milk. The concentration of the active substance is 7-10%. The duration of action is extended, efficiency increases, but the risk of developing an allergic reaction increases. Before active use, you should conduct a sensitivity test by applying a small amount of the drug to your elbow. The average price of Moskitol drugs is 120 rubles.
- BABY DETA with aloe vera. Anti-tick spray with a delicate consistency and pleasant smell. Sold in 100 ml bottles. The concentration of the active component is 7.5%. Allowed to be applied to clothing and exposed areas of the body. The average cost is 170 rubles.
You can buy drugs in a pharmacy, specialty store, household, hardware departments of supermarkets, or you can order via the Internet. The shelf life of the products is 2-3 years from the date of manufacture.
When protection is needed
Typically, adults use anti-tick products only when they go into the forest. This is not entirely correct. Ixodids prefer tall grass, including on roadsides, bushes, and young trees in city parks. Therefore, any walk can lead to an encounter with these insects.
Ticks attack from April to October. Periods of maximum activity can vary greatly from region to region depending on weather conditions. After hibernation, insects are hungry, and the content of toxins and viruses in their saliva is very high. When young grass just begins to emerge, bloodsuckers hide on bushes and in fallen leaves. Ticks have no eyes. When choosing a victim, they rely on their sense of smell and thermoreceptors. They can sense an animal or person at a distance of up to 10 m. Clinging to an object, insects choose places with thin skin (armpits, behind the ears, in the groin area). While they are moving, you can feel them and remove them in time.
Baby product up to 1 year
To protect an infant from ticks, parents must be careful - do not go for walks in the forest during the pest activity season, wear appropriate clothing, examine the baby every time after returning from the street, and put a mosquito net on the stroller.
There are no professional products for babies, but experts suggest using repellents based on essential oils. You can buy ready-made ones - stickers, bracelets, clothespins, or pay a little attention and make them yourself.
Essential oils that repel ticks:
- citronella;
- lemongrass;
- carnation;
- peppermint;
- rosemary;
- tea tree;
- lavender;
- cedar;
- thyme;
- geranium;
- eucalyptus;
- orange.
Apply to clothing, exposed areas of the body, and soak napkins.
- Add 5 drops of any essential oil to baby cream and treat exposed areas of the body.
- Dilute 15 drops of ether in 100 ml of water, pour into a spray bottle, and use to treat clothes.
- Drop essential oil onto wet wipes, put back into the bag, and use to wipe the skin on exposed areas.
- Soak the braid, rope, tie it on the leg, arm, stroller.
On a note!
Protection against ticks for children is valid as long as the scent is present - a maximum of 1.5 hours. After this, the processing procedure must be repeated.
Ultrasonic repellers
People with hypersensitivity cannot use chemical insecticides for protection. In this case, new technologies come to the rescue. We present three of the most popular tick repellers.
Bradex TD 0324
The Bradex electromagnetic ultrasonic repeller will help protect your home or campsite. Service area up to 200 m2. Saves not only from ticks, but also from rodents and other insects. The device must be connected to the mains. Average cost: 700 rubles.
Bradex TD 0324
Advantages:
- compactness;
- wide range of action;
- safe for humans and pets;
- hypoallergenic.
Flaws:
- protection against ticks is only 65%;
- Electrical connection required.
Antiklesch M
This is an ultrasonic repeller designed to be worn constantly. Made in the form of a bracelet with an adjustable strap. Range of action 4 meters. Powered by AG13 batteries. Average price: 2500 rubles.
Antiklesch M
Advantages:
- compact;
- safe;
- can be used to protect children and pets;
- there are 3 operating modes;
- moisture-resistant housing;
- The battery charge lasts for 3 months.
Flaws:
- efficiency is only 65%, it is recommended to combine with other types of protection;
- There are no full operation indicators, it is unclear when the battery runs out.
Tick repellent for children over 1 year old
The range of products for children from one to 2 years old is not so wide. The best product in this category is Gardex baby spray. Operates on the basis of the insecticidal substance IR 3535. An alternative to DEET. Allowed for use by children from 1 year old.
Gardex baby against ticks
Bottle capacity 50 ml. Smells pleasant, leaves no marks on clothes or skin, and is economical to use. Initially, you need to distribute the product on the palm of an adult, then anoint the exposed areas of the child’s body. Apply to the neck, arms, legs. Clothes are thoroughly sprayed and put on for children after 5-10 minutes.
Protection is valid within a radius of 50 cm for 2 hours. Re-application is allowed no more than 1 time after the specified time has elapsed. It is contraindicated to use Gardex products if you have an individual intolerance to the components.
On a note!
The Gardex brand produces products to protect children and adults from ticks, mosquitoes, and midges in the form of stickers, bracelets, clips, sprays, and aerosols. It is allowed to be used for children 2 years of age in the absence of allergies.
Photo: what a tick looks like at different stages of development
When starting the fight against arachnid parasites, you need to find out what they look like. Representatives of different species have a number of individual characteristics, but common signs are noted that make it possible to recognize the pest:
- 4 pairs of paws;
- absence of antennae;
- Not all ticks have eyes, but it is still difficult to see them during a quick examination without a microscope;
- lack of wings (ticks do not fly);
- the head, connected to a powerful oral apparatus, is best viewed from the abdomen; in representatives of many species, it is also visible from the back;
- body shape oval, flattened or convex.
but among blood-sucking pests larger individuals are noted: from 2.5 to 5 mm.
The body color is discreet (brown, dark red), but there are also brighter individuals (green, blue, yellow, black, white). To be able to distinguish between ticks and mosquitoes, bedbugs, it is recommended to look at the photo.
Appearance of a tick, dangerous to humans and animals.
Model No. 7: Triton Anti-encephalitis Suit (Mixed) Forest Shirt
The product is designed for protection in summer. Made from mixed fabric (polyester, cotton). There is no water protection (impregnation is not provided), as well as a lining, but there is a mosquito net. The suit is lightweight (only 0.52 kg). Other features:
- the jacket is put on over the head, there is a short zipper in the upper part;
- the density of the material is low - 100 g/m2;
- the hood can be adjusted in volume;
- there are cuffs in the sleeves;
- there are 3 large pockets;
- the mosquito net can be easily removed and fits into one of the pockets;
- Elastic bands are located along the bottom edge of the trousers;
- The width of the jacket is adjustable using a cord with a lock;
- There is also a drawstring at the bottom (cord with a lock).
The product allows air to pass freely,
which allows the body to breathe. The jacket is slightly elongated.
Model No. 5: Helios Anti-Mosquito Suit
The product is made in camouflage color. A removable mosquito net is fixed on the hood and covers the face. This type of anti-tick clothing is suitable for hot weather as it is made of breathable fabric. This is a lighter option (0.9 kg). You can purchase the suit in sizes 44-62.
- the cut is free, thanks to this movement is not limited in any way;
- the volume of the hood is adjustable;
- the bottom of the sleeve fits snugly to the body, which is due to the presence of an elastic band;
- there are 2 pockets on the outside;
- An elastic band is also provided at the waist, along the bottom of the trousers;
- the product is made of polyester, and the material is quite dense - Three-layer Air-Mesh Sandwich fabric (3 mm thick), consists of a mesh (cells of different sizes) and a thin layer of foam rubber.
Application of multilayer material with interlayer
allows you to implement the shock absorption function, for example, in case of a fall or impact.
Model No. 4: Suit “Wolverine” (cotton, sand) PRIDE
This product has the main advantage - a light shade (“sand”). This will allow timely detection of the parasite on the surface of the tissue in the future. Made from cotton. The density of the material is superior to the previously discussed analogues. The value of this parameter is 250 g/m2. In addition, the jacket is elongated and is adjustable in width with a removable belt at the waist.
The trousers included are non-standard, the model is semi-overalls. There are a large number of patch pockets, which will allow you to keep valuables safe during active recreation. There is also an internal pocket. There are elastic bands: on the back of the jacket in the waist area (under the belt), along the lower edge.
will allow in the future to timely detect the parasite on the surface of the tissue.
The hood is also adjustable in volume. There is an elastic band for this. To prevent ticks from getting under your trousers, there is also an elastic band along the bottom edge. The overalls are easy to transform: the back is detachable and the suspenders are adjustable.
Suit “Wolverine” (cotton, sand) PRIDE.
The right clothes
When going for a walk with your child, do not forget about ticks. To prevent a tick bite, you should pay attention to your child's clothing. For protection, children need a hat, long pants that need to be tucked into socks, and a long-sleeved blouse.
Proper clothing will protect your baby from a tick bite while he or she is looking for access to the skin and a suitable place for the bite. It is important to examine the child at intervals of 15-20 minutes, allowing you to detect the tick before the bite occurs.
Remember that ticks live in grass and especially love damp, shady places. Be especially careful during high tick season. Gardex wishes you pleasant and safe walks!
Model No. 9: Suit slide "Encephalitis" tent (summer)
The product can be used for outdoor activities, fishing, hunting. Fabric color – khaki. Externally, such anti-tick clothing resembles the material from which the tent is made. An anti-mosquito net is fixed on the hood. There are several patch pockets. Cuffs are sewn on the sleeves along the lower edge. There is an elastic band at the waistband of the trousers. There is also an elastic band along the bottom edge. Material – 100% cotton.
Suit slide "Encephalitis" tent (summer).
What to look for on the label:
The word "Deta" on the label means poison. Its concentration should not exceed 40%. If it is less than 7%, even children can defend themselves with this remedy. Look for the word “prolongator” on the packaging. Children's repellents must contain prolongators, a minimum of toxic components and a maximum of essential oils - no other formulation is simply suitable for children.
Experts advise:
Anatoly Shakirov, head of the insect repellent department at the TechProject trading house: A substance with a prolongator allows you to reduce the amount of active substance many times, and at the same time maintain the same time of protection from insects as from a standard repellent - from 2 to 5 hours.
Natalya Shashina, Ph.D., leading researcher at the Research Institute of Disinfectology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation: The maximum protection time is no more than 4 hours. If you see on a label that someone promises 8, 9, 10 hours of mosquito protection time, then this label is not approved by the Ministry of Health.
Model No. 6: Protective camouflage cotton anti-encephalitis suit “Python”
The main feature of this model is the color. The anti-tick suit is made in a green shade. Considering that this is a protective camouflage suit, there is a design - a python. The product is intended for use in summer. Peculiarities:
- There are elastic bands on the cuffs and along the bottom edge of the trousers, making the material fit more tightly to the body;
- There is 1 pocket on the front side, closed with a zipper;
- set: jacket with hood, trousers;
- the jacket is put on over the head.
analogues discussed above, which is due to the simplicity of the model.
The downside is the lack of traps. However, the initial intended purpose of this product is somewhat different - camouflage, so it is logical to assume that such elements may be missing.
Anti-tick products for children and adults
The range of repellents for the whole family is extremely large. It is allowed to apply to children over 12 years of age on clothing and skin. The active substances are DEET (from 7 to 30%), alphacypermethrin. The maximum effect of the products when applied to the skin is 2 hours, clothing from 4 to 8 hours.
Effective drugs:
- Mosquitol;
- Off Family;
- Raptor;
- Reftamide Anti-mite;
- Raid;
- Taiga, etc.
On a note!
The cost of repellent for the whole family is on average 300 rubles. Sprays are used to treat clothes, days, backpacks, tents, and other items for outdoor activities. The aerosol is sprayed onto the skin from a distance of 20 cm. It is recommended to do the treatment outdoors.
