It is the time of the year – more than half of the tick bites happen in June and July.
But in which part of the Netherlands are the risks high?
The Nature Today app
People are not aware of the risks of a tick bite according to biologist Arnold van Vliet.
Figures show there has been a substantial increase in tick bites. In The Netherlands alone this means 1,50000 tick bites per year. As a result of these bites,there are about 27,000 cases of Lyme disease.
People should check themselves or ticks after walks in the countryside and nature.
Due to the increase in tick bites, biologist Arnold Van Vliet developed an app, in cooperation with the Wageningen University. It is called the ‘Nature Today’ app.
This app not only warns users to check themselves but also shows which parts of The Netherlands show high risks.
The app can be downloaded for free. There is also a paid part if you wish to get info which is location based. The national overview can be seen in the free version.
The ‘Nature Today’ app shows you the weekly registered number of tick bites in The Netherlands. Furthermore the app shows you how to remove a tick.
Good to know, ticks not only live in the forest but can also be found in parks and even in your own garden.
Source: RTLNieuws.nl
What you should know about ticks
For readers who are not familiar with the phenomenon ticks here some facts:
# Ticks are small, eight legs, blood-sucking bugs, related to spiders.
# You’ll find them outdoors in grass, trees, shrubs and leaf piles.
# They are attracted to people and their four-legged pets
# Ticks can bite you and pass diseases onto humans and pets. This can cause the Lyme disease.
# When you notice a tick on your body, use fine – tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward, with even steady pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick, this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth parts using tweezers.
Having trouble doing this all? Call your GP for assistance.