Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of a host organism. The arachnids can transmit diseases such as TBE and Lyme disease. Therefore, an extensive protection has the highest relevance, especially in the warm months. Black cumin oil as tick protection has proven itself in this regard.
Attention during walks in the forest
From the beginning of March to the end of October, ticks can be expected in European latitudes. Walkers in the forest, meadows and fields are a favorite prey for ticks. In certain areas of Germany, ticks have not fallen into rigor mortis for several years, such as in the Rhine Valley. The arachnids are normally in winter torpor when temperatures remain below seven degrees Celsius. If these temperatures are not reached, ticks are still active during the winter months. The mites transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, neuroborreliosis and TBE. For this reason, caution is advised during outdoor activities. They lurk on plants and bushes for their next blood meal. In gardens, the parasites enter through mice or other wild and domestic animals. A radius of two meters around the lawn border is where most ticks sit. The sunnier the garden, the fewer ticks to expect. Where there are lots of leaves, lots of brush, and lots of weeds or certain ground covers, they are more likely to be found. Thus, the forest is an ideal environment for tick animals. To find hosts, they have chemical senses such as carbon dioxide sensors. These sensors are located in the Haller’s organ on the leg limb of the tick and allow it to locate hosts. At temperatures above seven degrees Celsius, tick protection becomes relevant, so especially for walks in the forest. One option is black cumin oil as a tick repellent.
Black cumin oil as a tick repellent.
The healing properties of black cumin have been known for thousands of years. For example, Egyptian black cumin oil was valued in North Africa as early as 4,000 years ago for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Naturopathy praises the oil for its healing effect on rheumatism, skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or immunological hypersensitivities such as allergies. According to scientists, the positive effect of black cumin oil is probably due to the essential oils it contains. Black cumin oil has a deterrent effect on bloodsuckers similar to garlic. Those who apply black cumin oil to their skin benefit from natural tick protection. But be careful: black cumin oil probably cannot keep ticks and other bloodsuckers away completely and is therefore not a 100 percent protection. According to experience reports the tick infestation of treated quadrupeds decreased however after the application of the oil clearly. In order to prevent parasite infestation, give up to ten drops of the oil on free skin places. Side effects are not to be feared with the use. Positively, the oil additionally shows pleasing effects on the skin appearance. Black cumin oil is thus parasite prevention and skin care in one. Because the oil probably does not guarantee full tick protection, the application can be meaningful in combination with further preventive measures. In addition to black cumin oil, lavender and clove oil, for example, are also popular as natural tick preventatives.
Tips against tick bites
For tick prevention, avoid bushes and undergrowth as well as walks in tall grasses. Rather, stay on light, vegetation-poor ground and don’t rest at the edge of woods, haystacks or underbrush. In addition, light-colored, closed clothing that covers most of the skin is recommended. Ideally, clothing and the body should be scanned for ticks after each outdoor visit. Young ticks are only half a millimeter in size and thus difficult to find, especially in the hair. Therefore, always shake out the hair. In your own garden, mice should not be tolerated. In addition, bird roosts should not be located above the terrace, because the animals could shake off parasites. Pet owners should check their animals regularly for ticks and remove the parasites as soon as possible. Ideally, pets should also receive tick prophylaxis, such as tick repellent from a veterinarian. Infested pets could lose ticks unnoticed in the house. The owners then run the risk of becoming the next hosts of the parasites. By the way, vaccinations against tick-borne diseases now exist, such as the TBE vaccination.To get through tick season healthy, consider such vaccinations.
What to do after tick bites?
Anyone bitten by a tick should not panic. Basically, especially 1.5 millimeter nymphs are considered dangerous. However, the faster the tick is removed from the host’s body, the less likely it is to become infected with the diseases mentioned further above. The tick’s sucking act is completed after one to two hours at the earliest. Only with the completion of the meal, the disease transmission begins. Therefore, in the event of a tick bite, removal of the parasite as quickly as possible is the top priority. But be careful: ticks must not be smothered or otherwise injured before removal, otherwise the risk of infection increases. Ideally, a tick forceps or tick snare is used for removal. Use it to grab the tick by the proboscis just above the skin surface and carefully pry it out of the skin. Also beware of torn off body parts of the tick. Such should not be left in the skin because they can cause inflammation. Never squeeze the tick during removal, as this also increases the risk of infection. Anyone who feels unsure about the removal should consult their family doctor. Once the tick is removed, it is important to wash the bite site and disinfect it with alcohol. Anyone who notices skin changes or flu-like symptoms on themselves after a tick bite should seek medical attention immediately. Antibiotic therapy for several weeks may be necessary in this context.
Conclusion: control is mandatory for tick protection
No matter what tick protection measures are also taken: Control is mandatory after stays outdoors. On white clothing and white headgear ticks can be best sighted. Ideally, the control of the back half of the body is carried out by a second person. Since the temperatures in Germany are no longer too cold in winter, tick control should also be carried out in the winter months. A bite necessarily photo-document and clarify all changes with a doctor.
