Seven misconceptions about ticks

1. There are no ticks in the mountains

False: ticks are also found at higher altitudes. Due to global warming, their habitat is continually expanding, which means that they can be found at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres above sea level.

2. The tick season only starts in summer

That is no longer true nowadays. Due to the mild winters, ticks are now active day and night all year round.

3. Ticks live in the forest

False. Ticks do not fall from the trees as was previously assumed, but rather wait for their prey in tall grass. Special care must therefore be taken when walking through unmown meadows. Long trousers, closed shoes and spraying your clothes with tick spray can help to keep the pests away.

4. You can feel a tick bite

No, a tick bite does not cause any pain and usually goes unnoticed. When you return home from a walk through the woods and meadows, you should therefore check your body thoroughly for ticks – particularly the back of your knees, as well as your armpits and genital area. The faster a tick is removed, the lower the risk that it can transmit pathogens.

5. A tick bite is not so bad

Yes, ticks can transmit life-threatening tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, both of which can cause permanent damage. If flu-like symptoms, fever, joint inflammation or paralysis occur after a tick bite, you should consult a doctor immediately. The same also applies if the site where the tick bit you is still reddened after two weeks. Important: you can be vaccinated against TBE.

6. Ticks can be drowned with oil

That's not a good idea. When rubbed with oil, the tick can release the contents of its glands and intestines into the blood and transmit diseases even more. You should also avoid crushing the tick for the same reasons.

7. The tick should be twisted out

Please don't. To remove the tick, you should use special tick pliers or tweezers and grasp the animal as close as possible to the puncture site and pull it out. Afterwards, you should disinfect the skin. If part of the tick gets stuck in your body, this is not a problem. Sooner or later, it will fall out by itself.