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Kangaroos
As Whiteman Park is a major Perth Regional Conservation Park, a large population of kangaroos exist within the Park. Our large area of flying field turf provides a great source of food for these animals, and as a consequence one of their parasites, the Kangaroo Tick (Amblyomma triguttatum) is present at the field and can attach to humans.
Tick Life Cycle
Ticks are not insects but come under the class of spiders - Arachida, and are six legged. Ticks are quite visible and generally range in size from between 2mm - 8mm and are brown to black in colour. The ticks generally climb onto foliage at the side of an animal path or trail where they can transfer to a passing animal or human. A tick can survive for months between feeding and often we encounter ticks walking along the turf at the flying field.
Detection
They are most often found where clothing is tight on the body such as sock lines, waistbands, underwear and the collar area. Often you will feel the tick crawling on your skin particularly around the head region. A tick will try to embed themselves with their barbed mouthparts and feed on your blood. It is possible to have an allergic reaction at the area of skin where the tick was attached. It is advisable in cases of severe allergic reactions, sickness or paralysis to seek immediate medical help.
Removal
There are a number of suitable methods for removing a tick, however it is important that the entire tick including head and mouthparts are not left in the wound. Application of methylated spirits or vaseline on the ticks body can either suffocate the tick or make the tick withdraw after a few hours. A pair of fine pointed tweeezers (or cotton thread lasso) held close to the attached point with the skin can be used, making sure that you do not squeeze the tick's body to release any toxins. If any mouthparts remain then they must be removed and the wound disinfected.
Recommendations
We recommend that you wear adequate clothing at the flying field, and secure areas of clothing such as the sock line with your trousers. Application of Rid or Aeroguard directly to your skin may act as a deterrent.
Further information can be found at:
Victoria Poisons Information Centre - Ticks