Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

A tick bite can have serious health consequences, so you should always protect yourself from the arachnids. When ticks are active depends directly on the current temperature. Read here which tick season 2022 can be expected.

In a nutshell

  • 2022 could be another strong tick season due to mild weather
  • The start of the tick season depends on the temperature
  • Ticks active from around 7°C
  • Ticks can transmit diseases to humans and animals

Start of tick season

The period from April to October is considered a rough guideline for the tick season. In 2022, the tick season could start much earlier due to the mild temperatures. Ticks are usually active from a temperature of 7°C. They are impervious to frost and snow, and as soon as there is a drop in temperature, they can simply go back into hibernation.

One problem with tick season is that it's starting earlier and earlier due to global warming. For a number of years, tick bites have been increasingly detected as early as March. In February 2022 it was so warm in some regions that many ticks dared to come out of their hiding places.

Winter tick active early

The alluvial forest tick (Dermacentor reticulatus), also known as the winter tick, is active even earlier. From a temperature of 4°C, it actively searches for a host. It is of limited danger to humans, because as a host it mainly looks for domestic animals or wild animals. In rare cases, the so-called Q fever can be transmitted to humans, which is usually harmless, but in rare cases can also cause inflammatory diseases.

Winter tick (Dermacentor reticulatus)

Features of the winter tick

  • up to 16 mm in size
  • white marbled spine
  • reddish-orange outer edge
  • Dorsal shield in the female only in the front third of the body

Notice: If you are bitten by a tick, do not dispose of the animal. Keep the dead tick between two pieces of tape, because in the event of an illness, the arachnid can still provide valuable information during an examination.

peak season of ticks

The common wood beetle (Ixodes ricinus), whose purpose in life is to wait for hosts, is dangerous for humans. The tick lives an average of 2 to 3 years and is mainly active in spring and autumn. Conditions are ideal for her during these months, as she likes moderate temperatures and humidity.

Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that a tick bites you in the summer. The tick season usually starts again when, after a longer warm period, a rain shower cools down and moderates the temperature. Then it is particularly important to protect yourself from the arachnids. Often there are simple preparations that are effective for avoiding bites.

Common Woodbuck (Ixodes ricinus)

Tips to avoid tick bites

  • wear light-colored clothing
  • wear long clothes
  • Tuck pant legs into socks

Vaccination for risk areas

2022 could result in an early start of tick season due to warm temperatures. Experts are now advising to prepare for the tick season with a vaccination. Above all, those who live in so-called risk regions or are planning a holiday should be vaccinated. The vaccination protects against the particularly dangerous disease tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), but not against other diseases such as Lyme disease, which are also transmitted by ticks. However, Lyme disease can be treated very well with medication.

Notice: The risk of infection varies regionally. The probability of disease transmission is particularly high in the areas from central Germany to the south.

end of tick season

Not only is the tick season beginning earlier and earlier, but the end of the danger is also being pushed further and further back. When the arachnids go into hibernation depends on the approaching frost. If the temperatures in 2022 drop as early as mid-October, the tick season can end early.

Notice: Increasingly, the tick season extends well into November and sometimes even into December. However, the danger is somewhat reduced because the vegetation is rather low, making it more difficult for the ticks to reach their hosts.

Check pets, especially dogs, regularly for tick infestation.

Pets are usually an indication of whether ticks are active. You can reach the arachnids more easily. If animals move outdoors, you should therefore carry out a check afterwards. This also reduces the risk of transmission to humans, because a tick looks for a new host for each stage of development.

Examine animals for ticks:

  • Feel the legs and abdomen
  • Control between the toes
  • Check the ears and muzzle

frequently asked Questions

How long after a tick bite is there a risk of illness?

This varies and depends on the type of disease transmitted. In the case of a Lyme disease infection, it can take up to a month for the first symptoms to appear.

Do all ticks transmit diseases?

All tick species can be potential vectors of disease. The main carrier, however, is the common wood tick.

Are there signs in endangered regions?

Yes, in some regions where disease transmission is particularly common, there are warning signs along popular hiking trails, for example. However, the signage is not mandatory and there may also be a danger in other regions.

Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Category:

Garden pests