Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that are particularly active during the warm months. They prefer to live in forests, meadows, gardens and parks. Although tiny, they can transmit dangerous diseases — including Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). For humans and animals they therefore pose a serious health risk. In this article you will learn everything you should know about ticks: from their way of life and potential infection risks to the most effective protective measures and natural repellents.
What are ticks and how do they live?
Ticks belong to the class of arachnids and have eight legs. There are over 900 tick species worldwide; in Europe the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) is particularly widespread. Ticks are so-called ectoparasites — they live on the outside of their host and feed on its blood.
Ticks go through three developmental stages: larva, nymph and adult. In each stage they require a blood meal to progress. Hosts include wild animals, birds, pets and humans. Ticks can survive for months without food, but are especially active at temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius and with high humidity.
Where do ticks hang out?
They do not live in trees, as is often assumed, but rather close to the ground in tall grass, bushes, hedges or at the forest edge. They climb up to about one metre on grass stems or shrubs, where they wait for a potential host. When a person or animal passes by they brush against the tick — it then crawls on the skin to find a suitable bite site.
Common tick habitats:
- Forest edges and clearings
- Tall grass, ferns and undergrowth
- Gardens with dense vegetation
- Urban parks and allotment gardens
- Pathsides and hedgerows
How dangerous are ticks?
Tick bites are usually painless because the animals release an anaesthetic secretion while feeding. That is precisely what makes them dangerous: the bite often goes unnoticed and increases the risk that pathogens will be transmitted.
The two best-known diseases transmitted by ticks are:
1. Borreliose (Lyme-Borreliose)
This bacterial infection occurs relatively frequently. Initial symptoms are flu-like complaints and the typical erythema migrans (a ring-shaped redness around the bite site). If left untreated, borreliosis can damage joints, nerves and the heart. There is no vaccine, but it can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
2. FSME (Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis)
This viral meningitis is less common but considerably more dangerous. Symptoms range from fever and headache to neurological deficits. In severe cases, TBE can cause permanent damage. Vaccination against TBE is available and is particularly recommended in risk areas.
Other possible diseases transmitted by ticks include anaplasmosis, babesiosis or rickettsiosis – however, these occur less frequently.
Removing ticks correctly – here’s how
If you find a tick, you should remove it as quickly as possible. The earlier the tick is removed, the lower the risk of infection, since the agents of borreliosis are usually transmitted only after several hours.
How to remove a tick correctly:
- Use a tick removal card, tick tweezer or fine tweezers. We recommend the ARIES Anti Zeck Zeckenkarte.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull it out slowly and straight – do not twist or squeeze
- Disinfect the site thoroughly afterwards
- Monitor the bite site for changes over the following days
Avoid old home remedies such as oil, nail polish or alcohol, as they can irritate the tick and cause it to release pathogens more quickly.
How can you protect yourself against ticks?
Effective tick protection is especially important in spring and summer months. With a few simple measures, the risk of a tick bite can be significantly reduced.
1. Clothing as a barrier:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
Tuck trousers into socks
Use light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more quickly
2. Use repellents:
Repellents with the active ingredient lemon eucalyptus oil. We recommend the ARIES Anti Zeck Hautspray
Choose products specifically for children and sensitive skin
Natural products such as coconut oil, lavender oil or black seed oil as a gentle alternative
3. Avoid tick-prone locations:
Avoid paths through high grass or undergrowth where possible
Stay on established paths
Wear protective clothing when gardening
4. After being outdoors:
Carefully check your body (especially behind the knees, armpits, neck, groin)
Change clothing and wash if necessary
Also check pets regularly
Tick protection for children and pets
Children are particularly at risk, as they often move in tick-rich areas. Parents should regularly check their children for ticks, especially after playing outdoors. Tick sprays specifically developed for children offer additional protection. The ARIES Anti Zeck Hautspray is already suitable for toddlers.
Dogs and cats are also common hosts for these blood-feeding parasites. For pets there are spot-on products, sprays or specialized tick collars. After every walk the coat should be checked thoroughly.
Home remedies against ticks – what really helps?
Many people prefer natural methods to repel ticks. The following home remedies are frequently recommended:
Coconut oil – contains lauric acid, which can repel ticks.
Lavender oil – pleasant for humans, but reportedly repellent to ticks
Black seed oil – used internally or externally
Apple cider vinegar – applied to skin or coat, also acts as a repellent
Note: The effectiveness of these remedies is not definitively established by scientific studies, but many people find them helpful.
When is tick season?
Ticks are temperature-dependent in their activity. Their season begins in spring at about 7–10 °C and extends into late autumn. The peak season is between March and October. In mild winters they can even be active year-round.
What to do after a tick bite?
If you have been bitten by a tick, you should monitor the bite site over the next few days. If there is reddening, flu-like symptoms or the characteristic erythema migrans, you should consult a doctor.
Important information for the doctor:
When and where was the tick discovered?
How long was it possibly on the skin?
Are there symptoms such as fever, pain or fatigue?
Early treatment can prevent serious consequences.
Conclusion: Recognize ticks, protect and act
Ticks are more than just annoying pests — they can transmit serious diseases. It is therefore all the more important to be well informed and to protect yourself with simple measures. Anyone who spends time outdoors regularly should take appropriate precautions: wear suitable clothing, use repellents and thoroughly inspect the body. Children and pets in particular should be checked and protected regularly. The consistent application of protective measures, combined with knowledge of behavior and risks, helps to effectively avoid tick bites and get through the tick season in good health.