Where: All of Sweden
When: Spring to Autumn
What: Ticks
As the weather warms up, it's important to be aware of ticks lurking in the grass and bushes. These little pests can be more than just an annoyance. Here’s what you need to know about ticks in Sweden and how to protect yourself and your pets.
WHAT IS A TICK?
A tick is a small arachnid that feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. They are typically found in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas where they wait for a host to pass by. Once a tick attaches to a host, it can swell up from the blood it feeds on, turning a grayish color and increasing in size.
Ticks are common in Sweden, especially from spring to autumn. They thrive in grassy, bushy, and wooded areas, so if you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’re likely to encounter them. Ticks can carry diseases, the most notable being Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TICKS?
Ticks can transmit diseases through their bites. In Sweden, the two main concerns are:
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE): This is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological issues. TBE is a serious concern in regions like Västmanland.
Lyme Disease: Caused by bacteria, Lyme disease can lead to various symptoms, including a characteristic bullseye rash, fever, headache, and muscle pain. If left untreated, it can cause more serious health problems.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT TICK BITES?
Here are some effective ways to protect yourself from tick bites in Sweden:
Proper Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks when walking through grassy or wooded areas. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
Insect Repellent: Use a repellent containing DEET or permethrin on your skin and clothing. For instance Djungelolja. This can help keep ticks away.
Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like the armpits, groin, scalp, and behind the knees. It's also a good idea to check your pets.
Stay on Trails: When hiking or walking, stick to the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grass or bushes where ticks might be waiting.
Vaccination: When we arrived here, we were advised to get vaccinated against TBE. The TBE vaccine is highly recommended if you spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where ticks are prevalent. It’s available at most health clinics and pharmacies.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK ON YOUR BODY?
If you find a tick on your body, it's important to remove it as soon as possible:
Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to your skin's surface as possible. There are also all kinds of dedicated handy tools available for tick removal.
Pull Upward with Steady Pressure: Don’t twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin.
Clean the Bite Area: After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Dispose of the Tick: You can dispose of a live tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see a doctor.
WHAT ABOUT DOGS AND TICKS?
Ticks don’t just affect humans; they can also pose a risk to pets, especially dogs. Our dog gets 'Frontline' drops in her neck to protect her from ticks. This treatment works great and significantly reduces the risk of tick bites. After walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas, check your dog thoroughly for ticks. Keep a tick removal tool handy to safely and effectively remove ticks from your pet.
CAN MY DOG GET LYME DISEASE OR TBE?
Yes, your dog can get Lyme disease from tick bites, but TBE is less common in dogs. Here’s what you need to know:
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, reduced energy, lameness, and swollen joints. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics are usually effective if caught early.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) in Dogs: While dogs can be bitten by ticks carrying TBE, they rarely develop the disease. Neurological issues are uncommon, but consult a vet if you suspect your dog might be affected.
Don't scratch if you do get bitten, a tick bite can become more irritated if you scratch it. Clean the area and keep it covered if necessary. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
HELPFUL LINKS:
More information about TBE:
More information about Lyme disease:
You can book an appointment for a TBE vaccine here:
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