Table of Contents
What is a monster tick?
Where are monster ticks found?
How to remove a tick?
How to prevent ticks
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Monster Ticks Abroad
- By Ellie
-
- June 10, 2024
- 2 MIN READ
Brits abroad? More like ticks abroad! As the Summer kicks off and we all jet off to somewhere sunny, keep your wits about you and your pet when it comes to ticks. British tourists are being warned about ‘monster ticks’ that are spreading across Europe.
What is a monster tick?
Hyalomma Lusitanicum, also known as monster ticks, are blood-sucking and larger than usual ticks from Africa and Southeast Asia. These pesky parasites are hitchhiking their way to Europe by catching a ride with wild animals like rabbits. Not only are tick bites a nuisance, but these monster ticks can transmit dangerous diseases, such as Lyme Disease and Crimean-Congo fever (CCHFV). Monster ticks are said to actively hunt their prey (that’s us and our pets) and can survive colder climates, making them the God of all ticks*.
Where are monster ticks found?
Currently monster ticks are reported to be going wild across Spain, the Balearic Islands, Southern Italy and Turkey. They have always kept a low profile in Europe but this year have come out of hiding and decided to cause havoc. Before 2005, Hyalomma ticks made up no more than 5% of all ticks but this number has drastically increased**. BE WARNED! Monster ticks have been spotted in the UK, but right now only pose a threat to holidaymakers***.
How to remove a tick?
Don’t panic, follow these quick steps and that tick should be out of there in no time! First things first, grab a tick hook - a small and simple device designed specifically for safe and effective tick removal. This makes it easier and less stressful for both you and your furry friend. Here’s how to use one:
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Pop on some gloves
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Make sure your pet is calm and comfortable
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Position the tick hook as close to your pet’s skin surface as possible
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Twist the tick hook a few times in a clockwise direction to loosen the tick's grip on your pet's skin.
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Lift the tick with a slow and steady motion away from your pet's skin without squeezing the tick's body.
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Check for residue once the tick is removed. If you notice any tick remains, gently remove them using the tick hook or consult your vet to be sure.
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Clean and disinfect the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection, and wash your hands thoroughly!
If you need any support on removing a tick - check our guide here with pictures or contact our friendly team of experts. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
How to prevent ticks
As useful as it is knowing how to remove a tick, it's preventing them that really matters.
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Use Preventative Tick Treatments - Spot-on treatments like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats, which kills adult ticks attached to your pet (and lice) within 48 hours
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Regular grooming - Regularly groom your pets with a fine-toothed comb to help detect and remove ticks before they attach.
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Inspect after your pet has been outdoors - Pay attention to areas where ticks are likely to attach, such as ears, neck, and underarms.
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Tick-proof your garden - Trim any greenery and consider using pet-safe tick repellents to reduce tick populations.
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Tick-repellent sprays - When you are out and about in tick-prone areas, consider using tick-repellent sprays designed for pets to provide an added layer of protection.
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Year-round vigilance - Ticks can be active in various seasons, so don’t think just because you go to Europe in Winter that you will escape ticks!
Get rid of ticks... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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Where we got the facts from:
* Oxford Mail, 2024, Source: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24356960.monster-ticks-sighted-uk-europe-holiday-hotspots/
** Independent, 2024, Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/monster-ticks-spain-holiday-turkey-b2554570.html
*** European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2023, Source: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/hyalomma-lusitanicum-current-known-distribution-october-2023
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