- Swiss Point of Care
As the weather warms up, we head outdoors to hike, garden, or simply enjoy nature. But one tiny creature can turn a peaceful walk into a health risk: the tick. With climate change expanding their habitat and year-round activity on the rise, it’s more important than ever to separate fact from fiction — and know how to act quickly.
What Are Ticks — and Why Should You Care?
Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that live in tall grass, forests, and even your backyard. They feed on the blood of animals — and sometimes humans — by attaching to the skin and remaining there for hours or even days.
Some ticks carry Borrelia bacteria, which can lead to Lyme disease: a serious infection that affects the nervous system, joints, and skin. While only 1–2% of bites actually transmit Lyme, the consequences can be long-lasting if untreated.
Mythbusting: What’s True and What’s Not?
Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions about ticks and tick bites:❌ “Ticks fall from trees”
Nope. Ticks wait in tall grass or low shrubs and latch on when you brush past.
❌ “There are no ticks in the mountains”
Wrong again. Ticks are now found up to 2,000 meters above sea level due to warming climates.
❌ “Tick bites are painful”
Not at all. You usually don’t feel the bite, which makes checking your body after outdoor activity crucial.
❌ “Ticks only appear in summer”
Outdated. With milder winters, ticks are active year-round, especially from early spring to late autumn.
❌ “A tick bite isn’t dangerous”
It can be. Lyme disease can cause severe symptoms if left untreated: fatigue, joint inflammation, nerve pain, or even paralysis.
❌ “Use oil or twist to remove a tick”
Don’t! This can cause the tick to regurgitate harmful bacteria. Use fine tweezers or a tick removal tool and pull straight out.
Lyme Disease: What to Watch For
A tick bite can lead to Lyme disease, caused by several strains of the Borrelia bacterium, including B. afzelii and B. garinii. Symptoms can appear in three stages:
- Stage 1 (days to weeks): red expanding rash (erythema migrans), flu-like symptoms
- Stage 2 (weeks to months): fatigue, joint pain, nerve problems
- Stage 3 (months to years): long-term neurological or joint issues
- Your immune system produces IgM antibodies in response. These can be detected between 2 and 6 weeks after infection.
What To Do If You’ve Been Bitten
- Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal card.
- Do not twist, burn, or smother it with oil or alcohol.
- Clean the area with disinfectant.
- Note the date of the bite.
- Watch for symptoms for the next few weeks (especially rash or flu-like signs).
Consider a Self-Test: TIK’ALERT® Lyme IgM🧪
To detect a recent Borrelia infection, you can use the TIK’ALERT® self-test — a quick blood test that detects IgM antibodies in just 10 minutes. It is most accurate between 2–6 weeks after the bite, or when a red rash appears.
✅ Detects early immune response
✅ Easy to use at home
✅ A positive result means you should see a doctor immediately for antibiotic treatment
Note: This test does not show the stage of Lyme disease, only the presence of antibodies.
Where and When Are Ticks Most Active?
- High-risk areas: long grass, meadows, parks, forests, even gardens
- Surprising fact: They are not only found in deep forests, but also in urban green areas and farmland
- Tick season: Traditionally spring to autumn — but now often year-round during mild winters
- Altitude: Up to 2,000 meters in the Alps and other mountain regions
10 Ways to Prevent Tick Bites
✔️ Stick to paths – avoid brushing against grass
✔️ Wear long sleeves and pants
✔️ Tuck pants into socks
✔️ Use tick repellents (DEET or natural)
✔️ Wear light-colored clothing
✔️ Check your body after outdoor time
✔️ Shower after hikes
✔️ Wash clothes hot after outdoor activity
✔️ Check pets for ticks
✔️ Carry a tick remover or credit card-sized tick tool
Final Word: Be Prepared, Not Scared
Ticks are tiny, but the threat they pose is real. The good news? With knowledge, prevention, and early detection tools like the TIK’ALERT® test, you can stay safe — and keep enjoying the great outdoors.
🛡️ Stay informed. Stay protected.