LifestyleTicks' natural predators: A garden's best defense

Ticks' natural predators: A garden's best defense

Ticks have their natural enemies, which are better not chased out of the garden.
Ticks have their natural enemies, which are better not chased out of the garden.
Images source: © Getty Images
Aleksandra Lewandowska

13 July 2024 15:49

Ticks have their natural enemies, which you are better off not driving out of your garden. If you want to get rid of these arachnids, you need to know what animals feed on them. Thanks to these animals, you will feel much safer.

Ticks are most active during the spring and summer seasons. Their bites can transmit dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis. Therefore, it is worth being cautious and thoroughly inspecting your body after returning from green areas. If you have a garden, don't shoo away these animals. Thanks to them, there will be fewer ticks, and you will feel safer.

What animals feed on ticks?

Even though we run away from ticks, some animals run to them. These animals feast on these arachnids, removing them from our area. What are these animals?

The natural enemies of ticks, which reduce their population, are primarily birds such as sparrows and tits, which often peck them out of grasses. Additionally, small mammals such as rats, mice, and shrews find ticks to be a tasty delicacy.

It is also worth remembering that ants, which we dislike, also feed on ticks. We should choose wisely if we also want to eliminate ants from our garden. Ants, unfortunately, and fortunately, do more good than harm compared to ticks. Out of the two evils, they are the more pleasant neighbours.

Ticks transmit dangerous diseases

Ticks are especially dangerous to humans due to the diseases they carry. Even with a light bite, changes often appear on the skin that are allergic, purulent, and swollen. In such cases, a doctor should be contacted.

- If you know you have been bitten by a tick, any skin changes should prompt a quick visit to the doctor. There is no vaccine for Lyme disease. Every suspected infection should be consulted with a doctor.