Frequently Asked Questions
Why are ticks dangerous?
They transmit 70 different pathogens that cause serious diseases. The most common disease transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.
Is every tick infected with Borrelia spirochaetes?
No. On average, 1 in 4 ticks is infected, which makes for 20-25%.
Does every tick bite end with a disease?
No. The risk of contracting the disease depends on how long a tick stays in our skin. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk.
Are there any regions that are free from ticks?
No. Ticks can be found everywhere.
Why the tick plague has been mentioned so often in recent years?
It is a result of global warming. Ticks live at approximately 7°C and in our region such temperatures are recorded from March to November.
What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?
They vary. One characteristic symptom is migrating redness which usually appears about 2 weeks after a tick bite.
You can read more about the signs and symptoms here
How is Lyme disease treated?
Causal and symptomatic treatment is used – mainly antibiotic therapy (spirochaetes are bacteria) and drugs for co-existing symptoms (e.g. painkillers).
When does migrating redness occur and what does it look like?
Erythema migrans is a very specific symptom of Lyme disease. Its appearance on a patient’s skin is a manifestation of Lyme disease. Migrating redness usually appears approximately 10-14 days after a tick bite. The classic erythema migrans looks like a circular shooting target. It has an oval or round bite spot in the centre, followed by a pale ring. The erythema is surrounded by a red ring which “migrates”, e.g. expands every day.
If erythema migrans does not appear does it mean that we are not infected with Lyme disease?
No. In 30-50% of the cases, erythema migrans does not occur. Instead, a rash can appear, so we have to be careful.
Redness occurs right after the bite. Is it Lyme disease?
No. It is an allergic reaction to the bite. Erythema migrans does not appear until 7-10 days after the bite.
How can I protect myself from a tick bite?
Check your body after returning from places where ticks can live, use repellents or biocidal products, wear appropriate clothes.
Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease?
So far, no vaccine for Lyme disease has been developed. Treatment is available for tick-borne encephalitis.
How can I protect pets from ticks?
By using repellents and/or biocidal products for animals.
Are there any biocidal products available for ticks?
Yes. Permethrin is one of them.
What is the right way to remove a tick?
The best way to remove a tick is to use tick extractor (included in the package). Pick the tick extractor depending on the size of the tick. Disinfect the tick extractor. Grasp the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible. Twist the tick, the side of the twirling doesn't matter. Disinfect the site of the contact and wash your hands. Disinfect also the tick extractor, because it's reusable.
What is the WRONG way to remove a tick?
Everything which was not mentioned in the previous answer!
A tick’s head broke off and is stuck in the skin. What now?
Nothing. Actually, it is better to leave it that way. It will fall off after several days, as the skin will exfoliate dead epidermis.
What are the methods for testing ticks?
Wrap a tick and send it to a sanitary and epidemiological station, a laboratory or test it at home using the quick # checkthetick™ test. Thanks to the # checkthetick™ test we can learn a lot about a tick in only 10 minutes. Laboratory test results take longer.
How reliable is a tick test that we do at home?
Highly reliable - 96%.
What should I do if I test positive?
Visit a doctor.
When should I do a blood test?
Serology tests, which detect IgG/IgM antibodies in your blood should be performed several (4-6) weeks after a tick bite. If the tests are performed too soon, the results may be negative (the level of antibodies will be too low). You should do the #checkthetick test immediately after removing a tick or send the tick to a laboratory.
How long do I have to wait for the #checkthetick test results?
10 minutes
Which ticks qualify for the test?
All ticks, both small and big ones.
Do you have more questions?
If you need more information or have questions about the product, please contact our department by filling out the contact form.