Heatwaves impact tick populations in Central Europe

Extreme summer heatwaves are significantly impacting tick populations in Central Europe. To find necessary moisture, ticks are abandoning tall grass and retreating deep into the soil or moss layers.

Parasitologist Branislav Peťko from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Košice notes that while adult ticks and nymphs are resilient to climate fluctuations, the current heat is killing off the youngest generation, the larvae. A noticeable decline in the overall tick population is not expected to manifest for two to three years, as older life stages can survive these unfavorable conditions.

Experts warn that while ticks may retreat from hot lowlands, they continue to thrive in mountainous and humid areas. Additionally, infectious disease specialist Martin Novotný has reported an increase in patients experiencing rapid skin reactions immediately after a tick bite. These cases often require prompt antibiotic treatment due to potential infections or severe allergic reactions. Medical professionals advise high caution when entering forested environments, as contact with a single infected carrier is sufficient to transmit serious diseases.