Please stay aware of Lyme Disease.

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

I have a question for anyone who has had one. Do you feel it when it takes hold?

I've never had one either, so I'm interested to see the answer. My dogs have had several, even after being treated in advance for them, and they don't seem bothered by them.

[rexrobin]

You should always keep a check for ticks. I always find them on the back of the knees. Little blighters!

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

I have a question for anyone who has had one. Do you feel it when it takes hold?

Not usually, the tick relies on the fact that it will be able to feed for hours without being disturbed. If you noticed it immediately it took hold you would get rid of it PDQ, which would prevent it feeding and continuing with its lifecycle. Having said that, I suppose that it would depend on exactly where it bit. Some areas are more sensitive than others.

Certainly I've only noticed the ones who have bitten me on checking myself after a day out, not by any pain or itching or other sensation.

I'm lucky that I live in an area that is relatively well informed about ticks, tick bites and Lyme disease, the local GP practice is pretty clued up. I attended a seminar organised by the national park a couple of years ago which was very informative.

[Mungo]

What a great post Jenny and very informative, thank you.

I have never been bitten and knew/know nothing about these ticks, but I sure will be looking out for them.
I will get some of the tweezers you suggested too.

I'm itching like mad now just thinking about them.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Mungo

I have never been bitten and knew/know nothing about these ticks, but I sure will be looking out for them.
I will get some of the tweezers you suggested too.

I've said on another 'tick thread', that the surest way to get them out is to take them out with the tip of a swiss-army knife - like taking the eye out of a spud!

Jim

[Hedge Witch]

Which size blade; doesn't this hurt? Good option if this works, 'cos this is one tool I carry in the field.

[earthdragon64]

Actually, this thread has reminded me that it's time to start carrying my tick removers. I have two of slightly different sizes, the type that look like the claw part of a claw hammer. They are in a little grip-seal plastic bag and I just stick them in my pocket.

I haven't seen any yet this year, but last year removed two from my dog and one from my cat in February, which was much milder than February this year.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

Which size blade; doesn't this hurt? Good option if this works, 'cos this is one tool I carry in the field.

I use the big blade and take out plenty of meat to make sure I've got all the tick. You can plug the hole left behind with sphagnum moss.

For really big ticks - the victoria plum sized ones - a claw hammer is best.

Jim

[Hedge Witch]

Jeeez, I can't be asked carrying a claw hammer too

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

Jeeez, I can't be asked carrying a claw hammer too

Yehbut - get a few _really_ big ticks on you and their weight will add up to more than that of a claw hammer!

Jim