Tasmanians are being urged to take precautions against potentially dangerous tick bites, with health authorities warning that some local species carry bacteria capable of causing serious illness.
The Department of Health has released updated advice on preventing bites and safely removing ticks, which can also trigger life-threatening allergic reactions in some people.
The key message is to freeze the tick using an ether-based spray from a pharmacy, rather than trying to pull it out.
“Never forcibly remove a tick by squeezing, pulling, twisting or other means,” the department warned.
Household tweezers, methylated spirits, kerosene, nail polish and lit matches should all be avoided when dealing with an embedded tick.
For people with known tick allergies, authorities advised against disturbing the tick altogether, urging them instead to seek emergency medical help immediately and have their adrenaline auto-injector ready.
The department said prevention remained the most effective strategy.
It recommended wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible when heading outdoors, noting lighter colours make ticks easier to spot before they attach.
Tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks provides an extra layer of protection, the department said.
After spending time in tick-prone areas, Tasmanians are advised to check their skin carefully and put clothing through a hot dryer cycle for 20 minutes to kill any ticks that may have gone unnoticed.
The warning comes as warmer weather draws more people outdoors and tick activity increases across the state.
Anyone unable to safely remove a tick or who finds part of one left in the skin should seek medical advice, the department said.
