Ticks: why they are dangerous and how to protect your grounds

Why ticks are dangerous

Ixodid ticks carry dangerous infections: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Infection happens through a bite, so it matters to reduce ticks where people — especially children — spend time.

How ticks live

• They become active with the first warmth; the peak is in spring and early summer, and some species have a second wave in autumn.
• They wait on grass and shrubs, usually up to 1 m high. They don’t jump from trees: they grab clothing from below and crawl up.
• They prefer tall damp grass, leaf litter, shrubs and woodland edges.

What acaricide treatment is

It is treating an area with a tick-killing product — an acaricide. Grass, shrubs, path edges, rest areas and the site perimeter are treated. The aim is to reduce ticks where people are.

How we work

1. Site survey: area, vegetation, places where many people gather.
2. Preparation: mowing, clearing dry leaves and rubbish.
3. Treatment: small plots with backpack sprayers, large areas with vehicle-mounted equipment.
4. Restricting access during treatment and advice on when it is safe to return.
5. Follow-up and, if needed, a repeat treatment within the season.

Personal protection

• Covered, light-coloured clothing, trousers tucked into socks.
• Repellents — as instructed.
• Check yourself and children after walks.
• If bitten, see a doctor.