Table of Contents
What is a monster tick?
Where are monster ticks found?
How to remove a tick?
How to prevent ticks
First month flea FREE, just £2.99 P&P
Speedy same day dispatch*
7.5+ million flea & worm packs sold
Tailored to your pet
Blog Home
Flea
Ticks
Worming
Itch News
Itch Insights
Worms in pets on holiday
- By Ellie
-
- September 26, 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:
-
Pop on some gloves
-
Make sure your pet is calm and comfortable
-
Position the tick hook as close to your pet’s skin surface as possible
-
Twist the tick hook a few times in a clockwise direction to loosen the tick's grip on your pet's skin.
-
Lift the tick with a slow and steady motion away from your pet's skin without squeezing the tick's body.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Regular grooming - Regularly groom your pets with a fine-toothed comb to help detect and remove ticks before they attach.
-
Inspect after your pet has been outdoors - Pay attention to areas where ticks are likely to attach, such as ears, neck, and underarms.
-
Tick-proof your garden - Trim any greenery and consider using pet-safe tick repellents to reduce tick populations.
-
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.
-
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.
SHOP NOW
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
Share
Ticks
Identification
What Do Ticks Look Like on Pets?
The closest thing you’ll find to a real life vampire are ticks, those pesky parasites that can attach themselves to your beloved pets and cause a host of health issues. These blood-sucking arachnids are not only uncomfortable for your furry friends but can also transmit diseases. Recognising the appearance of ticks on your pets is essential for their well-being. Here we look into what ticks are, how to spot them on your dogs and cats, share pictures so you can easily identify them, discuss effective tick treatment options, and explore preventive measures. Let's uncover the secrets of identifying ticks and keeping your pets tick-free.
Ticks
General
How Long Do Ticks Stay on Pets For?
Understanding how long ticks stay on pets is so crucial for effective tick control and the overall well-being of our furry companions. Here, we delve into the world of tick lifecycles, explore the lifespan of ticks, discuss how long ticks can stay on pets, debunk common misconceptions about tick survival, and provide some insights into preventing tick infestations altogether. Let's uncover the secrets of tick duration on pets and equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect our beloved animals.
Ticks
General
Can Humans Get Ticks?
Ticks can turn a pleasant outdoor adventure into a potential health concern. While we often associate ticks with our furry friends, the question lingers: Can humans get ticks? Let's delve into the world of ticks, unravel their habits, and explore how we can protect ourselves and our pets from these persistent little arachnids.