In late spring and early summer, the capules become very active and pose a serious health risk to people and pets, especially in rural areas or areas with tall vegetation. Although cats usually tolerate their bites without complications, in humans and dogs they can cause serious infections. In this article, we’ll tell you about a simple and effective technique shared by an experienced ranger.
How to protect yourself when going out into nature
- Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and socks over your pants.
- Choose light-colored clothing to better detect the capulae.
- Don’t forget a hat or hat.
- Apply repellents that specify efficacy against capulas.
Always check after walking in the countryside
After returning from a hike or outdoor outing, carefully check:
- Armpits
- neck and nape
- English
- inner thighs
- behind the ears and scalp
What to do if you find a capule
Don’t be alarmed. The important thing is to remove it carefully to avoid embedding part of its body.
Traditional method with cotton and strong smell
This method, used for generations, is simple and requires few materials.
Materials:
- A small cotton ball
- Acetone, nail polish remover, or tar (substances with a pungent odor)
Instructions:
- Soak the cotton with the chosen substance.
- Place the cotton on the capule attached to the skin.
- Count between 5 and 10 seconds.
- Remove the cotton gently: the capule usually sticks together.
This procedure works because the capulae can’t stand strong odors or lack of oxygen, so they release their proboscis from the skin.
After removing it:
- Clean the area thoroughly with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine.
- Watch for symptoms such as persistent redness, fever, or malaise: if it occurs, consult a doctor.
Tips & Recommendations
- Do not try to pull out the capula with your hands or tweezers without knowledge, you can leave part of it embedded.
- Never remove it by burning it, that can cause it to release toxic substances.
- Always check children and pets after playing on the grass or in bushy areas.
- Always carry a first aid kit with cotton, alcohol and nail polish remover if you go hiking.
Conclusion
This simple homemade trick allows you to remove capules safely, quickly and painlessly. Used for generations, it is an effective way to act in a situation that can be dangerous if not treated with caution. Whenever possible, complement with medical advice to avoid complications.