Insects (cuts bites)

Practicalities Health Insects (cuts bites) Ticks 

The issue of ticks (small, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of wild and domestic animals) is best publicised in the northeast of the US where they are known to carry Lyme disease. They are generally found in areas grazed by deer and forested areas of both Britain and Europe. In Eastern Europe and countries like Austria they may transmit encephalitis so in these areas in particular you should wear clothing which covers the skin, especially legs and ankles grass ticks are often found on grasses about 10-50cm above the ground. Clothing should preferably be smooth as this is harder for ticks to grip. You should also know in advance how to deal with a tick should someone in the party encounter one. Homeway sells a kit for doing so. [Suppliers]. After walking in these areas It is a good idea to watch out for flu-like symptoms of headaches and general aches and pains.

Nomad Medical [Suppliers] sells a product called Bug Proof with which to treat clothing if ticks might be a problem. Bug Proof contains permethrin which is a contact acaricide to kill the ticks. Treatment is not recommended for children's clothing but instead it is suggested that children follow the path of adults wearing Bug Proof treated clothing as this will help clear a tick-free path. Mosi-guard (see Mosquitoes) is also reported effective and is suitable for children.