When heading outdoors, hikers rarely think about the dangers of ticks. Yet these small parasites can transmit diseases, making proper precautions essential. Here is some practical advice on protecting yourself from ticks when hiking.
What are the risks associated with ticks?
The main reason to protect yourself from ticks when hiking is the risk of disease. Lyme borreliosis, commonly known as Lyme disease, is caused by the Borrelia bacterium and transmitted to humans by infected parasites. If left untreated, it can develop into a chronic and debilitating condition, causing joint pain, muscle aches, and neurological complications.
Beyond Lyme disease, ticks can transmit tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Common across Central and Eastern Europe, this virus presents with flu-like symptoms, sometimes followed by neurological disorders (meningitis, encephalitis). If you regularly hike in high-risk zones, the TBE vaccine is a sensible precaution.
Where do ticks hide?
If you are new to hiking, you should know that ticks mainly inhabit wooded and humid areas. You can find them in forests, woodland edges, clearings, and trailside vegetation. They generally thrive in tall grass, meaning they can also be present in gardens and urban parks.
To find a host, ticks emerge from the soil and climb onto tall grasses. They wait for a human or animal to brush past before latching on. They then crawl across the body in search of bare skin to feed on blood.
Ticks are sensitive to temperature. Rarely active in winter, they become highly active as soon as warmer weather returns. You will mainly encounter them from spring to autumn, typically between April and October.
Our advice for tick protection while hiking
The most effective way to protect yourself from ticks when hiking is to wear long clothing. Choose hiking trousers or zip-off pants. They offer the flexibility to stay protected in risk areas and switch to shorts when clear. For your upper body, choose hiking t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts.
To prevent ticks from reaching your skin, tuck your shirt into your trousers and your trousers into your socks. Wear closed-toe footwear along with hiking caps and hats. Opt for light-coloured clothing, which makes ticks much easier to spot.
To deter ticks, use insect repellents containing DEET (at least 20%), icaridin, or citriodiol. Always carry a tick remover when hiking. Avoid overgrown areas where possible and stay in the middle of paths. If picnicking, bring a ground blanket to sit on.
Finally, carry out quick spot-checks during rest stops along the trail. Once back home, thoroughly inspect your entire body, focusing on tick-prone areas (armpits, back of the knees, groin, navel, scalp, behind the ears). Make sure to check your children, pets, and clothing as well.
What to do if you get bitten by a tick
After spending time outdoors, you may find a tick on your body. If this happens, stay calm: it is easy to remove safely. Use a tick removal tool, slide it under the body of the parasite, and twist gently in an anti-clockwise direction.
If you do not have a tick remover tool, you can remove it with tweezers. In this case, grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upwards. If part of the tick remains lodged, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Once the tick is removed, disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic. While prompt removal significantly reduces the risk of contracting Lyme disease, you must monitor the bite site for four weeks. If a target-shaped red rash that expands outwards appears, it is likely erythema migrans. In this case, consult a doctor, who will prescribe antibiotic treatment if necessary.
By following these tips, protecting yourself from ticks while hiking is straightforward. If you are heading out with children, ensure they are dressed appropriately and check them thoroughly after every outing. If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Enjoy your walk!
