Australian Paralysis Tick: Ixodes holocyclus

The Australian Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is a blood-feeding arachnid and parasite. It is also called the eastern paralysis tick, seed tick or grass tick. [1] WildGuardian’s HIGH label reflects its potential health consequences, including tick paralysis and allergic reactions. It does not mean every tick bite causes severe illness.

If a tick is attached, do not squeeze, twist, agitate or forcibly remove it. Healthdirect advises killing an attached tick in place with an ether-containing freezing spray and allowing it to drop off. [2] People with known tick allergy need urgent medical help rather than attempting removal themselves.

Recognition and life stages

Ticks are arachnids, not insects. Larvae have six legs, while nymphs and adults have eight. Their bodies are flattened, oval and seed-shaped before feeding. [1] Healthdirect describes an adult tick as about four millimetres before a blood meal; its body can become much larger after feeding. [2]

Appearance alone is not a safe way to identify an attached tick or assess health risk. A small tick can be difficult to see in scalp hair, skin folds or among body hair. The key decision is to avoid disturbing it and follow current health advice, rather than trying to classify its life stage with fingers or tweezers.

Eastern Australian range and habitat

The Australian Museum records I. holocyclus mainly in humid coastal eastern Australia, including coastal Queensland, New South Wales and northern Victoria. It is associated with wet sclerophyll forest and temperate rainforest. [1] CSIRO likewise identifies the eastern paralysis tick as common across coastal eastern Australia. [3]

Ticks can be present all year. Adults are most common from spring into midsummer, while larvae are more commonly encountered in autumn and winter. [1] They wait on grass, twigs and other vegetation with their legs extended, then transfer to a passing host. [1] This is why prevention focuses on checking people, children and pets after time in tick habitat rather than looking only for obvious bites.

Reducing the chance of a bite

Stay on clearer paths where practical, wear clothing that covers skin in long grass or dense vegetation, and check the body after outdoor activity. Healthdirect’s infographic advises checking children and pets as well as yourself, and using a clothes dryer for clothing from known tick areas. [2]

A tick bite may cause local itch, redness, swelling or a lump. Allergic reactions can range from mild local effects to anaphylaxis, and tick paralysis can occur. [1] [2] Symptoms are a reason to seek health advice, not a substitute for proper attached-tick treatment.

Attached tick: current first aid

Healthdirect advises using an ether-containing freeze spray to kill an attached tick and waiting for it to drop off, usually within about five minutes. [2] If it cannot be frozen or does not drop off, leave it in place and obtain urgent medical help. For a very small embedded larva or nymph, Healthdirect advises permethrin cream on the tick, following product or health-professional directions. [2]

Do not use methylated spirits, kerosene, petroleum jelly, nail polish, oil, alcohol or a lighted match. Do not pull the tick with tweezers. Healthdirect says these approaches can make the tick burrow deeper or inject more saliva. [2]

If a person with an attached tick has a known tick allergy or mammalian-meat allergy, seek urgent medical help and do not attempt removal without medical support. If someone has trouble breathing or collapses after a tick bite, use an available prescribed adrenaline autoinjector, follow the ASCIA action plan and call 000 immediately. [2]

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Australian Paralysis Tick found?

It occurs mainly in humid coastal eastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales and northern Victoria. [1] [3]

Should I pull an attached tick out with tweezers?

No. Healthdirect advises against squeezing, twisting or forcibly removing a tick. Kill it in place with an ether-containing freezing product and allow it to drop off. [2]

Is tick season only in summer?

Ticks can be present year-round. Adult activity commonly peaks from spring into midsummer, while larvae are often encountered in autumn and winter. [1]

What signs mean I should call 000?

Call 000 if a person has difficulty breathing or collapses after a tick bite. Use an available prescribed adrenaline autoinjector and follow their ASCIA action plan. [2]

References

1. [1] Australian Paralysis Tick — Australian Museum
2. [2] Tick bites — Healthdirect Australia
3. [3] Ticked off: tick tactics on the go — CSIRO