Boppard. The rumor persists: a particularly large number of ticks are said to be in the gorse. But what about this assumption? If you look at the lifestyle of ticks, it turns out that this rumor is more of a myth than a scientifically sound fact.
The gorse enjoys a call as a possible “tick magnet”. Specialist articles report that the microclimate conditions prevailing around the gorse can create favorable living conditions for ticks. However, it is not crucial that the gorse itself actively attracts ticks, but that there are often circumstances in its environment that favor ticks. For example, small rodents or birds can be used as a tick carrier (Host) Funning, ensuring that the closeness to the ginster ensures that more ticks can be found in the adjacent areas.
Ginster: Not a good place for ticks?
Ginster species, such as the broom, usually prefer dry, sun -warm to hot locations. These conditions are rather unfavorable for ticks that need high humidity in order not to dry out. Studies have shown that there are hardly any ticks to be found in ginster stocks. While there can be a few evidence of ticks in the gorse, the frequency is significantly lower compared to other, humid vegetation forms.
The fact that ticks appear in gorse bushes is not scientifically proven. It is more of a random phenomenon that occurs in certain regions and under certain environmental conditions. According to experts, the risk of capturing yourself in the ginster is not higher than in other bushes or grassy areas.
Ginster can be poisonous
Some types of ginsters contain toxic substances that can be health risks for humans and animals. Especially the besdrew (Cytisus scoparius) Contains the alkaloid saving, which can cause strong symptoms. Other species like the German gorse (Genista germanica) Contain toxic substances such as cytisin, which are also harmful to health.
Possible symptoms of poisoning
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain and diarrhea,
- Dizziness and drowsiness,
- Cardiovascular problems such as a drop in blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia,
- Breath of breath in severe cases.
Particular caution is advised in children and pets, since already small quantities can lead to symptoms. If poisoning is suspected, medical help or the veterinarian should be selected immediately.
Lifestyle of ticks
Ticks, especially the common wooden goat that often occurs in Germany (Ixodes ricinus), are not “tree jumpers”. They usually wait at a height of less than one meter, usually only between 10 and 50 centimeters above the ground, for their hosts, such as dogs or humans. Your preferred habitat are moist, shady areas with dense vegetation in which you can hide.
- High, unused meadows and grasses: Ticks prefer moisture, protected areas in the high grass in which you can hide.
- Dense vegetation and undergrowth: Walders, clearings and undergrowth not only offer ticks, but also the proximity to potential hosts such as wild animals.
- Buschwerk and hedges: Ticks can also stay here.
- Work zones of rivers and lakes: Moist areas are very attractive for ticks.
- Overgrown gardens and parks with a lot of green: Ticks can also occur in urban areas, especially if there is dense planting.
- Compost heaps and stacks of wood: These offer ticks an ideal, protected shelter.
These areas represent the potentially highest risk because they offer the ideal habitat for ticks. In order to minimize a tick infestation in dogs and humans, they should be avoided at the gas round. For walks with the dog, mown meadows, dirt roads and not too narrow forest paths as well as sunny areas with short grass are ideal.
Tips for tick protection in the dog
In addition to avoiding tick -friendly areas, there are other measures that improve the protection of the dog:
- Regular search: After each walk, the dog should be searched thoroughly for ticks, especially at preferred stabs such as head, ears, neck, armpits, stomach and the inside of the thighs.
- Tick preservatives: Talk to a veterinarian about suitable tick protection preparations (Spot-on, collars, tablets), that are tailored to the needs of the dog.
- Vaccination against Lyme disease: There is a vaccination against Lyme disease for dogs. The veterinarian can also advise on this. There is currently no vaccination against TBE for dogs.
- Avoid high -risk areas: Note the current TBE risk areas in Germany (Rki) be shown. Even if ticks can occur nationwide, the risk of TBE infection in these areas is higher.
- Garden design: In your own garden, the tick risk can be reduced by regularly mowing and removing dense undergrowth.
Tip: The early removal of a tick, preferably within the first 24 hours after the infestation, significantly reduces the risk of infection, since most pathogens are only transferred after a long time.
In summary, it can be said that the rumor from the gorse as a special attraction for ticks does not correspond to the scientific knowledge. Rather, ticks can be found in moist, shady areas with poets, close to the ground. If you avoid these areas, regularly check the dog for tick infestation and there are suitable tick protection, these are the best measures for dog health. (Stefan Richter)