Facts and myths about ticks

Here are 7 misconceptions that we will dispel right away!

We only need to pay attention to ticks in the summer

In the summer, we can hear from many more sources that we need to pay attention to ticks, but this does not mean that they can only pose a danger in the summer. The biggest enemy of ticks is long, hard frost, but due to climate change, winters are getting milder, so ticks do not die so easily. If tick populations survive the winter in larger numbers, their number may increase. In addition, the early arrival of spring and the prolonged summer can also be deceptive, and we can still be exposed to ticks during these periods. The same applies to the time of day, as ticks attack regardless of the time of day.1

TBE virus* infection is only transmitted by ticks

TBE virus is the causative agent of viral encephalitis, i.e. tick-borne encephalitis. TBE virus spreads from animals to humans and is usually transmitted by tick bites, more specifically by the bite of the red-bellied common tick (Ixodes ricinus). The tick, as a “vector”, transmits the virus from infected animals to humans. However, it is important to know that the infection can also be contracted by consuming unpasteurized milk from infected goats, sheep, and cows, as well as cheese made from them.1

Ticks can only be encountered during excursions

It is not true that ticks only occur in forested, field areas, and hiking trails. They can also be found in urban environments. Therefore, we can be exposed to the same danger there. Ticks can also occur in city parks, playgrounds, and on grassy, ​​bushy beaches. If we have pets, we need to be especially careful, as pets can also bring ticks into our homes. 1

Ticks can only be transmitted to humans from trees

Many people think that they are only at risk near trees, as ticks jump from trees to humans and animals. This is not true. In fact, ticks cannot jump and do not often occur in places higher than 1.5 meters. Ticks sense exhaled carbon dioxide, body temperature, and vibrations caused by movement, so they cling to their victim’s legs from blades of grass and leaves.

All tick bites cause disease

It is not the tick bite that causes the disease, but the pathogens carried by the ticks. This means that only an infected tick bite can cause infection, but it also depends on how long the tick has been inside us. In our country, the two most important tick-borne diseases dangerous to humans are encephalitis caused by the TSME virus and Lyme disease. Both can be transmitted by the common tick.1