Facts and myths about ticks: What should you really be afraid of?
Ticks are small parasites that cause big fear – but are all concerns justified?
Let’s check which of the popular beliefs about ticks are facts and which are just myths.
MYTH: Ticks jump off the trees
This is one of the most common misconceptions. Ticks don’t jump, fly, or fall from trees. They usually lurk in low plants, grasses, or bushes, waiting for a potential host—an animal or a human—to brush against the plant. With their specialized hook-like legs, they attch to skin or fur. Even if you avoid walking under low trees, you and your pet can still encounter ticks in the grass.
FACT: TICKS CAN TRANSMIT DANGEROUS DISEASES
Babesiosis, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and tick-borne encephalitis are just a few of the diseases that ticks can carry. However, it’s important to remember that not every tick is infected, and the risk of pathogen transmission increases the longer the tick remains attached to the skin. That is why quick and efficient tick removal is crucial.
MYTH: OIL AND ALCOHOL ARE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO REMOVE A TICK
Applying oil, alcohol, or other substances to a tick is not only ineffective but also dangerous. A stressed tick may release more saliva or regurgitate its stomach contents, increasing the risk of infection. The best method is to remove the tick using appropriate tools, such as tweezers or specialized devices like Ectopet Tick Removal Tool.
FACT: TICKS ARE ACTIVE FOR MOST OF THE YEAR
Many people believe that ticks are dangerous only in the summer. That’s a mistake! Ticks become active when temperatures rise above 5°C (41°F), meaning they can pose a risk as early as early spring and as late as autumn. Even during mild winters, it’s essential to stay vigilant.
MYTH: TICKS ONLY LIVE IN THE FOREST
Ticks are often associated with forests, but they can be found almost anywhere – in parks, meadows, and even in your backyard. In cities, they frequently latch onto dogs and cats during walks through grass or bushes. That’s why tick prevention is essential, no matter where you live.
FACT: TICKS ARE ALSO DANGEROUS FOR HUMANS
Ticks don’t just attack animals—they pose a serious threat to humans as well. Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis are illnesses that can have severe health consequences. After spending time outdoors, it’s crucial to thoroughly check your skin and clothing to ensure you haven’t brought home an unwanted passenger.
MYTH: LIGHT-COLOURED CLOTHING PROTECTS AGAINST TICKS
The color of your clothing does not repel ticks, but wearing light-coloured clothes can help you spot them more easily. However, this is not a substitute for effective protection measures, such as tick repellents or clothing treated with tick-repelling substances.
FACT: GIANT TICKS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN POLAND
In recent years, Poland has seen an increasing presence of migratory ticks, such as Hyalomma marginatum, also known as the African tick. These ticks typically arrive in the country via migratory birds from the south or through transported animals. Milder winters have allowed them to survive in the Polish climate.
African ticks are significantly larger than common ones, measuring about 1 cm in length, and after feeding, they can grow to 2–5 cm long and approximately 3 cm wide. They are distinguishable by their light-colored striped legs. While they do not transmit Lyme disease, they can carry dangerous exotic diseases, such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever or spotted fever. The good news is that they remain rare in Poland, making encounters with them unlikely.
MYTH: A TICK-LIKE INSECT WITH WINGS IS THE FINAL STAGE OF A TICK
The term “flying tick” is often mistakenly used to describe the deer ked (a type of fly in the order Diptera). However, this insect has little in common with a tick. Deer keds are most commonly found in forests. When they land on the skin, fur, or clothing, they are difficult to shake off, and their bite can be painful. However, there is no evidence that they transmit diseases in the same way that ticks do.
Summary: KEY FACTS TO REMEMBER
- “Flying tick” is a common misnomer for the deer ked (a type of fly), which is not related to ticks. Deer keds are mainly found in forests. When they land on skin, fur, or clothing, they are hard to shake off, and their bites can be painful, but they do not transmit diseases like ticks. Ticks are usually found in grass and shrubs, not on trees.
- Quick removal of ticks significantly reduces the risk of infection.
- Prevention is key: regular inspections of pets’ fur and using appropriate protective measures are essential.
- Ticks can be active for most of the year, not just in summer.
- Having a tick-freezing and removal product in your first aid kit is a great way to react promptly when needed.