Watch out for ticks!

 Ticks are acarids which are visible to the naked eye but are nonetheless very small. They live in forests, woods, fields and also in towns (mostly in parks and gardens) and they feed on blood. They spot their targets while waiting in long grass and jump onto them. They are attracted by movement, heat and carbon dioxide emitted by animals and humans. Then they will try to bite, preferably in moist areas like the back of the knees, the groin or armpits. This is when they transmit a whole variety of different germs.

For the perfect hike undisturbed by ticks, consider:

• wearing light coloured clothes that keep you well covered on walks. This will enable you to spot ticks more easily.
• inspect your whole body very carefully paying special attention to more moist areas when you come home after an outdoor activity, and do the same for other family members and pets.
• equip yourself with a tick remover, ideally beforehand. These are readily available in pharmacies, but also in sports shops and pet shops. It is essential to remove the tick as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
• If the tick has bitten you, it is very important to keep an eye on the affected area in the following days or even weeks. Consult your doctor if you notice a red patch around the bite or any other symptoms.