Protection from ticks

Every year, the City Health Department provides information about ticks and gives tips on how to protect yourself.

Ticks are small animals. They suck blood from humans and animals. That is why they are also called parasites. Ticks live in parks and gardens, for example. They are mainly active from March to October. They sit in the grass and on leaves. Ticks can tell that an animal or human is nearby by their movements, body heat and smell. Ticks do not fall from trees. People or animals brush the ticks off the leaves or grass as they walk past. They look for a place on the body to suck blood. For example, on the head, arm or leg, where the skin is soft.

Ticks can transmit dangerous diseases: Lyme disease and TBE. Lyme disease is a disease caused by bacteria. It can be treated with antibiotics. TBE is an inflammation of the brain and meninges. TBE is caused by a virus. You can protect yourself with a vaccination. You can become infected with TBE in Offenbach. Two cases of TBE were reported in Offenbach between 2019 and 2025. People get Lyme disease much more frequently.

If a tick is still moving, you can simply remove it by hand. The tick does not bite. If a tick attaches itself, it must be removed quickly. You can do this with tweezers, a tick card, tick tweezers or the tips of your fingers. Hold the tick very close to the skin, loosen it carefully and pull it out slowly. Do not squeeze the tick. Otherwise fluid from the tick will enter your body and you could become ill. You should disinfect the bite site. A tick must not be removed with oil, nail varnish or glue.

A tick can survive in water and in the washing machine. It must be killed or crushed with 40% alcohol or disinfectant.

You can protect yourself from ticks. For example, you can wear light-colored clothing in nature. This makes it easier to see ticks. You can also wear sturdy shoes and long clothing that covers the whole body. There are also products for the skin to protect yourself. However, these products do not provide 100 percent protection. It is very important to check yourself thoroughly for ticks, even when wearing long clothing and using protective products.

Ticks do not like direct sunlight. Ticks are still on the skin when wearing shorts or barefoot. The areas behind the knees, in the armpits and in the groin area are particularly popular with adults. In children, the head and neck are often affected.

Ticks can also be in the garden. Keep the lawn short and check your pets for ticks.

It is important to protect yourself from ticks.