Ticks aren’t found only in deep forests; more and more often, they’re in common places like gardens, parks, and city edges. With warmer climates and changing conditions, their range is expanding, and tick season now lasts from spring through autumn. That’s why it’s important to know why to be cautious, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you find a tick.

Why be careful? It’s not just a bite

Ticks aren’t just annoying – they pose real health risks. The biggest danger comes from infections they can carry. The two most common are:

• Lyme disease, a bacterial illness that often starts as a small red spot on the skin. If untreated, it can cause serious problems with joints, the nervous system, or the heart.
• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It can cause severe symptoms—from intense headaches and fever to hospitalization or long-term neurological issues.

Risk areas are spreading each year, and infected ticks can be found even in seemingly safe places. Just sitting for a moment in the grass or walking along an uncut path edge can expose you.

How to protect yourself from ticks? Everyday prevention matters

The good news is you can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites with a few simple steps. Ticks usually grab onto the lower part of the body, so the first step is wearing the right clothes:

• Wear long pants and sleeves, ideally in light colors where ticks are easier to spot.
• Use tick repellents—not only on your skin but also on your clothes.
• Avoid tall grass and bushes; stay in the middle of paths.
• After coming back home, always check your entire body carefully. Ticks like warm, moist places such as behind knees, groin, behind ears, under breasts, in hair, and armpits.

For children, daily checks are especially important, even after a short time outdoors—ticks can be as small as a pinhead and easy to miss.

Found a tick? Stay calm and act quickly

Finding a tick is no reason to panic, but it’s important to act correctly. The sooner you remove it, the lower the chance of infection—bacteria and viruses usually need several hours to enter the body.

How to remove a tick:

• Use fine tweezers or a special tick removal tool. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out steadily—don’t jerk or twist.
• Immediately clean the bite area with disinfectant.
• Watch your health for the following days and weeks. If a red rash larger than 5 cm appears, or you experience fatigue, fever, or headache, see a doctor.

Vaccination: The best protection against tick-borne encephalitis

There is an effective vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis, available for both children and adults. It requires three doses and provides long-lasting protection. Vaccination can be done any time of year, but starting in winter or spring is best to be protected for the main tick season.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for Lyme disease yet, so daily prevention and quick removal of ticks are especially important.

Enjoy nature safely

Spending time outdoors is a wonderful way to relax, recharge, and improve your health. Don’t let ticks spoil your fun. By following basic rules—wearing appropriate clothes, using repellents, checking yourself after being outside, and considering vaccination—you greatly reduce your risk.

These simple steps can help you enjoy summer safely, without unnecessary health problems—just as it should be.