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Nature Journal – The Trouble with Ticks
By a Curious Observer
I’ve often come across ticks during my walks in the forest. The big ones are easier to spot, and sometimes I even take pictures of them—just to study them closer. Still, I’ve noticed that most people really dislike ticks. And it’s not hard to understand why.
Ticks are small parasites that feed on the blood of animals—and sometimes humans. While this is just part of their survival, their bites can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), especially in parts of Europe. That’s what makes them scary for many. Unlike mosquitoes, you often don’t notice a tick right away. It attaches silently and can stay for hours—or days—if unnoticed.
But nature is always more connected than we think. For example, I’ve seen that where wood ants (Formica rufa) are active, there tend to be fewer ticks. That’s super interesting! Wood ants are aggressive hunters and may eat tick larvae or nymphs—or simply make the forest floor a more hostile place for ticks. It’s a great reminder that biodiversity helps balance ecosystems.
If you want to avoid ticks while enjoying nature, here are a few simple tips:
Wear long sleeves and pants – Light colors help you spot ticks more easily.
Stick to the paths – Avoid brushing against tall grass or dense bushes.
Use repellent – Especially those containing DEET or other tick-repelling ingredients.
Check yourself (and pets!) after walks – Ticks often crawl around before they bite.
Shower soon after being outdoors – It helps remove ticks before they settle in.
Ticks might not be the most lovable creatures, but they are part of the big web of life. Observing them—and understanding them—helps us appreciate the complex balance of nature, even in its less comfortable moments.
