Tick Talk

We Need To Talk Ticks

So… are ticks having a moment, or is it just me?

I have questions.

Many questions.

Mostly because every time I ask someone about ticks, I get a completely different answer.

Love a topic where nobody knows anything.

One thing is certain though. The second someone says the word “tick,” I immediately initiate a full-body security sweep.

Shoulders? Check.

Socks? Check.

Back of neck? (Previously compromised.)

Last year, ticks were background characters.

I was out there living my breezy, outdoorsy life.

This year? The moment the summer rains arrived it felt like the ticks literally exploded on to the scene.

Including the one on the back of my neck.

Attached.

Rude.

I’ve also found a few just loitering on my socks like they’re waiting for an Uber.

One was on the outside of my pants too.

Just… standing there.

The audacity.

Naturally, instead of consulting my “community” - who mysteriously vanish the second research is required - I did what I apparently do now.

(I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this personal development.)

I Googled.

Into mild distress.

You’re welcome.

Are Ticks Seasonal?

Tick activity peaks during the warmer months (roughly September to April).

So basically: when you’d like to go outside.

Even better news?

Populations are reportedly increasing thanks to warmer winters and humidity.

Fantastic.

Love that for us.

When Should You Actually Worry About a Tick Bite?

Symptoms of tick bite fever usually show up 5–7 days after a bite.

You should pay attention if:

• The tick was attached for several hours or looks engorged - i.e it ate - on you.

• You develop a rash

• You get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, body aches)

• The bite becomes painful, blistered, or forms a dark scab

Now.

Is it the classic expanding rash you’ve seen on medical websites?

Is it a heat rash?

Is it friction from your backpack?

Is it Tuesday?

Who among us can say.

Flu-like symptoms are particularly unhelpful.

That could be the flu.

Dehydration.

The 18 km hike you powered through out of spite.

So yes, I can confidently advise: worry if it looks concerning.

But not all concerning things are concerning.

Clear?

Excellent.

We’re thriving.

Much like the ticks.

So now that we’ve established Google was not especially committed to providing a tidy little “panic / don’t panic” flowchart, let’s talk about your risk of Lyme disease.

Lyme Disease

The very same Google said the risk is very low if a tick was attached for less than 24 hours.

Can you get Lyme disease without a tick bite?

No tick, no Lyme.

It’s transmitted through infected tick bites.

Good - one clear answer.

Love a boundary.

Why Should You Never Flush a Tick?

Because they can survive.

Yes, I also paused.

Instead, put them in a container - with Jik.

It feels aggressive. But so was the tick.

Also:

Do NOT smother them in Vaseline or nail polish - you just give them more time to feed on you.

Do All Ticks Cause Tick Bite Fever?

Apparently not.

Only ticks infected with certain bacteria can transmit it.

Which means statistically speaking, I could calm down.

Will I?

No. Absolutely not.

Google then introduced the term “Amblyomma hebraeum” like this was useful information I could deploy in the field.

For context, Amblyomma hebraeum is the “bont tick,” commonly associated with tick bite fever in South Africa.

Will that help me mid-hike?

Will I crouch dramatically on the trail, squinting at a speck on my sock and whispering,

“Ah yes… the distinctive markings. Bold. Confident. Very Amblyomma.”

No.

They are all simply tiny, determined, and extremely unwelcome.

The moment Latin entered the chat, I exited.

Gracefully.

By closing fourteen browser tabs at once.

Do I plan to avoid all ticks equally?

Yes.

I do not believe in discriminating between the blood-sucking swines.

This is a space for socks tucked firmly into pants and a level of vigilance usually reserved for airport security.

Could I educate myself further?

Absolutely.

Will I?

No. I have already learned more about ticks than I ever intended to.

What Actually Helps?

Apparently......Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a repellent.

The Bottom Line

Most tick bites are harmless.

The risk of serious illness from a single bite is generally low.

Allegedly.

I did the research so you don’t have to.

Where were you during my spiral?

Exactly.

However, there is one final act of service I am prepared to perform for this “community” before you all disappear again the next time effort is required.

I will be purchasing oil of lemon eucalyptus - which may or may not simply be eucalyptus oil with better branding.

I will be out there.

Performing routine sock inspections like a person who has seen things.

Watch this space.