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Ticks in Italy

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What travelers need to know

Italy offers breathtaking nature, mountains, forests, and lakes – perfect for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities. But everywhere lurk ticks, which can transmit diseases such as TBE or Lyme disease. This guide shows you where ticks are particularly active, how to avoid bites, and what to do in case of emergency.

1. Where ticks are found in Italy

Ticks in Italy are mainly active in forests, meadows, and bush landscapes. Particularly affected are:

  • Northern Italy: Lake Garda, Dolomites, Lombardy, Veneto

  • Central Italy: Tuscany, Umbria, Marche

  • Southern Italy & Islands: Apennines, Sicily, Calabria

Note: Ticks do not sit on trees but near the ground on grass, shrubs, or leaves. Ticks occur everywhere in Italy.

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2. Tick species in Italy

Important tick species for travelers include:

  • Common wood tick (Ixodes ricinus):
    Transmits Lyme disease and TBE, especially in Northern and Central Italy.

  • Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus):
    Occurs in rural areas, transmits diseases less often, but can infest pets.

  • Meadow tick:
    Active in moist areas, risk of Lyme disease exists.

3. Protective measures against ticks

  • Clothing: Light-colored, long pants, long sleeves, tuck socks over pants

  • Insect repellent: Also use tick protection (DEET, icaridin) on skin & clothing

  • After outdoor activities: Check body thoroughly, especially behind knees, armpits, scalp

  • Protect pets: Use tick protection for dogs and cats

4. What to do if bitten by a tick

  1. Carefully remove tick: Grasp close to the skin with tweezers, pull out slowly

  2. Disinfect wound: Use alcohol or antiseptic solution

  3. Monitor symptoms: Redness, fever, joint pain → consult a doctor

  4. TBE vaccination: Recommended – especially for hikes in Northern Italy

5. Tips for outdoor activities

  • Choose hiking trails: Prefer routes through open terrain

  • Cycling: Wear tight-fitting clothes, tuck socks over pants

  • Camping: Set up tents on firm, dry ground, check the ground beforehand

  • Children: Tuck in clothes, check clothing regularly

6. Conclusion

Ticks in Italy are widespread, especially in forests, meadows, and moist areas. With simple precautions such as appropriate clothing, tick protection, and thorough checks after outdoor activities, you can enjoy your Italian holiday more safely – hopefully without unpleasant ticks or serious health risks.

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Ticks in Italy

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