Common Bush Ticks Ticks occur from Queensland to eastern Victoria and in Western Australia. The unengorged tick is bluish-black in colour, oval and flat. Engorged it is golbular and about half a centimetre in diameter. It tends to hide in body crevices. The venom may cause paralysis which first affects the lower limbs, the upper limbs, the muscles of respiration and facial muscles.
Treatment Apply turpentine or kerosene over the tick to kill it.
If in the ear, apply oil. If medical aid is not readily available remove the tick by sliding the open blade of a pair of scissors or a knife on either side of the tick and lever it outwards. Mosquito and Sandfly bites. Use alkalis such as Ammonia and Bicarbonate of soda in weak solution to give immediate relief. Hot water should be avoided.