Ticks in the bush

[Judith Lukin-Amundsen <>]

Craig - The most effective suggestions in our experience are:-

- Identification: Try the book 'Wildlife of the Brisbane Region'?

- Prevention: Spray-on Aeroguard TROPICAL STRENGTH, applied luxuriantly every three or four hours, all over.

- Removal: I think it's the Australian Geographic shops that sell a little 'Tick Remover'...or is it the Wilderness Society shops...? Otherwise, tweezers are often used. Sterilise.

        The tick must be grasped firmly by the 'shoulders'. (There is a theory that it should be removed by rotating it clockwise, or anti-clockwise - but I can't remember which!) The head must NOT detach - or it will be left in.

- Our best solution so far has been to kill the tick before removal: Spray with insecticide once or twice while in the skin. Leave for more than half an hour. (Left overnight the body will often 'rub' out in the clothing.)

*Be aware that some people seem to have a nasty allergy which worsens with every tick-bite they receive.

Can anyone offer me any useful information on tick identification, prevention and removal?  I'm putting together an advice sheet for bushland volunteers and could do with some accurate information or sources where I can find it.

Thanks,

Craig Doolan
Conservation Extension Officer
Community Bushcare
Environmental Education
Redland Shire Council

Phone: 3829 8835                    
E-mail:

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