Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of a host organism. The arachnids can transmit diseases such as TBE and Lyme disease. Therefore, extensive protection, especially in the warm months, is of utmost importance. Black seed oil as protection against ticks has proven itself in this regard.
Be careful when walking in the forest
Ticks can be expected in European latitudes from the beginning of March to the end of October. Strollers in the forest, on the meadows and in the fields are popular prey for ticks. In certain areas of Germany, ticks have not fallen into freezing wind for some years, such as in the Rhine Valley. In winter rigor, the arachnids are usually at sustained temperatures below seven degrees Celsius.
If these temperatures are not reached, ticks are also active in the winter months. The mites transmit diseases such as borreliosis, neuroborreliosis and TBE. For this reason, caution should be exercised in outdoor activities. They lurk on plants and bushes for their next blood meal. The parasites enter gardens through mice or other wild animals and domestic animals. Most ticks sit within a radius of two meters from the lawn border.
The sunnier the garden, the fewer ticks are to be expected. They are more common where there is a lot of leaves, a lot of scrub and a lot of weeds or certain ground covers. The forest is therefore an ideal environment for tick animals. To find a host, they have chemical senses such as carbon dioxide sensors. This sensor system is located in the Haller organ on the tick's leg and allows it to locate hosts. At temperatures above seven degrees Celsius, tick protection becomes relevant, especially for walks in the forest. One possibility is Black seed oil as protection against ticks.
Black seed oil as a tick repellent
The healing effects of black cumin have been known for thousands of years. For example, Egyptian black seed oil was valued in North Africa 4,000 years ago for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Naturopathy praises the oil for its healing properties in rheumatism, skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or immunological oversensitivities such as allergies.
According to scientists, the positive effect of black seed oil is probably due to the essential oils it contains. Black seed oil has a deterrent effect on bloodsuckers, similar to garlic. If you rub black seed oil on your skin, you benefit from natural tick protection. But be careful: black cumin oil can probably not completely keep ticks and other bloodsuckers away and is therefore not a 100% guarantee.
According to experience reports, the tick infestation of treated four-legged friends decreased significantly after using the oil. To prevent parasite infestation, apply up to ten drops of the oil to exposed skin. Side effects are not to be feared when using it. On the positive side, the oil also has positive effects on the complexion.
Black seed oil is parasite prevention and skin care in one. Because the oil probably does not guarantee full protection against ticks, it can be used in combination with other preventive measures. In addition to black seed oil, lavender and clove oil are also popular as natural tick repellants.
Tips against tick bites
To prevent ticks, stays in bushes and undergrowth are to be avoided as well as walks in tall grass. It is better to stay on light ground with little vegetation and neither rest at the edge of the forest, at the haystack or in the undergrowth. In addition, light-colored, closed clothing that largely covers the skin is recommended. Ideally, clothing and body are checked for ticks after each time they are outdoors.
Young ticks are only half a millimeter in size and are therefore difficult to find, especially in the hair. So always shake your hair out. In your own garden it is important not to tolerate mice. In addition, where birds are staying should not be above the terrace, as the animals could shake off parasites. Pet owners should regularly check their animals for ticks and remove the parasites as soon as possible.
Ideally, pets also receive tick prophylaxis, for example with tick repellants from the vet. Infested pets could lose ticks in the house unnoticed. The keepers then run the risk of becoming the closest hosts to the parasites. Incidentally, there are now vaccinations against tick diseases, for example the TBE vaccination. In order to get through the tick season in good health, such vaccinations should be considered.
What to do after a tick bite
If you are bitten by a tick, you should not panic. Basically, 1.5 millimeter tall nymphs are considered dangerous. The faster the tick is removed from the host's body, the less likely it is to be infected with the diseases mentioned above. The ticks' act of sucking is completed after one to two hours at the earliest.
The disease transmission does not begin until the end of the meal. Therefore, in the event of a tick bite, the fastest possible removal of the parasite is the top priority. But be careful: ticks must not be suffocated or otherwise injured before removal, otherwise the risk of infection increases. Ideally, tick tongs or a tick snare are used for removal.
Use it to grab the tick by its proboscis just above the surface of the skin and carefully pry it out of the skin. Also, be careful of torn body parts of the tick. These should not remain in the skin as they can cause inflammation. Never squeeze the tick during removal, as this also increases the risk of infection.
If you feel unsure about the distance, see your family doctor. Once the tick has been removed, the sting area needs to be washed and disinfected with alcohol. Anyone who notices skin changes or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite should consult a doctor immediately. Antibiotic therapy lasting several weeks may be necessary in this context.
Conclusion: control is mandatory to protect against ticks
Regardless of which tick protection measures are taken: Control is mandatory after spending time outdoors. Ticks are best spotted on white clothing and white headgear. Ideally, a second person should check the back of the body. Since the temperatures in Germany are now not too cold even in winter, tick controls should also be carried out in the winter months. Be sure to take a photo of a bite and clarify any changes with a doctor.
