The dunes and forests of Noord-Holland are not only popular with walkers, but also with ticks. Especially along the coast, from Zandvoort to Egmond aan Zee, the number of tick bites has increased in recent weeks. According to biologist Arnold van Vliet of Wageningen University, the drought of the past month plays a determining role in the growth of drawing activity.
The weekly numbers of tick bites are increasing rapidly, according to new figures from the Drawing radar. As a result, the backlog at 2024 has now been walked in. Van Vliet explains this increase on the basis of the weather conditions earlier this year.
“At the beginning of the year it was colder than normal, so that fewer people might go into nature,” he explains. “In the past month, however, it was warmer and drier than average, so that more people went out. That explains the rapid increase in the number of drawing bites in the past month.”
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However, the drought can also have a positive effect. Due to the high temperatures, drawing draws faster fluid while waiting for a host in the open air. “If they are waiting for a blade of grass until something bloody walks by, there is a greater chance that they will dry out,” says Van Vliet.
What is the best way to protect yourself against ticks?
“Check”, Van Vliet emphasizes. After a walk in the dunes or an afternoon of working in the garden, it is very important to thoroughly inspect yourself for ticks. “Even if you have used drawing -resistant spray or wear protective clothing, there is always a chance that one will slip in between,” he warns.
Are you bitten by a tick? Then it is important to remove it as quickly as possible. Then use a drawing tong or tweezers. Carefully remove the tick without damaging the body. Because when the tick is damaged, it can empty his stomach contents in your blood, which increases the risk of infections.