My recommendation is that you don't even try to block/parry. As they close in ... just before they reach you ... use the secondary attack (timed basically so they run right into it). You'll do a 360 and knock-back/stagger them.

Now step forward and do a three-hit combo - you get the stagger bonus and you can take down pretty much anything by the third hit.

Spoiler:
Didn't work "great" against the Fulings, but it did work. In the Mistlands however, you get a new polearm that shoots lighting. It knocks-back and stuns seekers briefly. Again, step forward and do the three-hit combo and they are toast (even one-stars). Also VERY effective agains seeker brood. And talk about a game-changer ... ticks just pop like balloons when you do the secondary 360. Super easy way to get ticks off your back.

Only one caveat ... when you step forward to skewer them, be aware that the angle of attack (hitbox) is very narrow as others mentioned. I think the wiki says 30-degrees so you need to line up pretty well.