Peak Tick Season: How to Safely Remove Ticks and Check Yourself

If you’ve never encountered a tick, they resemble small, flat spiders and are commonly found in forests, heathlands, gardens, parks, and playgrounds. These pests can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease through their bites.

Tick Monitoring

To stay informed about tick activity, regularly check the Tekenradar website. This resource tracks tick bite reports across the Netherlands, providing a ten-day tick forecast and updates on tick activity in areas like Delft.

Recent reports indicate an increase in tick bites around Delft, making it crucial to check for ticks if you’ve been outdoors.

How to Check for Ticks

If you’ve recently walked through Delftse Hout, worked in your garden, or spent time in Abtswoudsepark, perform a tick check. Watch the video below for guidance on how to do this effectively.

Tick Preferences

According to the RIVM, ticks commonly attach themselves to areas such as the groin, behind the knees, armpits, buttocks, edges of underwear, behind the ears, and the hairline at the neck.

Epidemiologist Kees van den Wijngaard notes, “We’ve observed a sharp increase in tick bite reports recently, which is typical for this time of year. However, reports for the first half of this year are 39 percent lower than the average, possibly due to less time spent outdoors this spring due to poor weather.”

Outdoor Safety

Should you avoid outdoor activities? Staatsbosbeheer forest ranger Rien de Vries advises, “There’s no need to stay indoors because of ticks. Just be cautious: check yourself for ticks after spending time outside. A tick removal card, which fits in your wallet, can be handy. Monitor the bite area for any red rings or spots and consult a doctor if these appear.”