Taiga tick

The Taiga tick or tick Ixodes persulcatus is one of the most dangerous representatives of the tick order. This insect has inhabited the Siberian forests for many centuries, and its bites pose a danger not only to animals, but also to people. Therefore, it is very important to know how to protect yourself from the taiga tick and prevent its bite.

The Taiga tick appears in late May-early June, when the leaves begin to bloom on the trees. At this time, they emerge from the soil in search of their victims: small mammals and birds. The female lays eggs on young coniferous plants, which serve as her shelter for the winter. In the spring, the eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into adult insects. Females can lay up to twenty eggs per season, and each can have up to ten offspring per year.

Taiga ticks are carriers of various infections, such as tick-borne borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne relapsing fever and others. Therefore, bites from these ticks can be hazardous to health. Symptoms of infection, such as redness at the site of the bite, rash, itching and fever, depend on the type of infection carried by the taiga tick. The infection can spread not only through a bite, but also through contact with an infected tick. It is important to see a doctor promptly if you suspect you have a tick-borne infection.