Ticks: how to prevent bites and what to do if you’re bitten

For this reason, at the Foundation for the Fight Against Infections we explain what ticks are, how to avoid their bites and what to do if you find one.

What are ticks and why can they be a problem?

Ticks are parasites that feed on blood and can attach themselves to both animals and people. Their bites are usually painless, so they often go unnoticed.

In some cases, they can transmit infections such as Lyme disease or Mediterranean spotted fever, although this happens in a small percentage of cases.

How to prevent tick bites

Avoiding contact is the best protection. Here are the main measures:

Before and during outdoor activities in scrubland and wooded areas:

• Wear long clothing (long trousers and long sleeves), preferably in light colours.
• Apply textile repellents (permethrin).
• Apply approved repellents to exposed skin (they should contain 35–50% DEET or icaridin).
• Walk in the centre of paths and avoid dense vegetation.
• Do not sit directly on the ground or on grass.

When you return home:

• Check your whole body, especially armpits, groin, scalp and behind the knees.
• Also check your clothing and pets.
• Showering after the activity can help detect ticks before they attach.

What to do if you’re bitten by a tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, act quickly:

1. Remove it properly using fine-tipped tweezers and pull upwards with steady pressure, without twisting or crushing it.
2. Clean the area with soap and water or disinfect it with alcohol.

It is also important to avoid common mistakes such as using oils, alcohol or heat to “smother” it. Do not crush it or remove it with your fingers, as these practices can cause the tick to release more saliva and increase the risk of infection.