Tick agents and preparations

Ticks are small arachnids that can pose a health risk to humans and animals. Tick bites can lead to infection with dangerous diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Tick activity lasts from spring to later autumn, which is why adequate protection is so important.  

Tick repellents for humans - why use them? 

The right tick preparation is a key measure to minimise the risk of being bitten by ticks. Ticks can carry pathogens that can cause serious diseases once they enter the bloodstream. The most common disease after a tick bite is Lyme disease, which can lead to chronic joint pain, neurological disorders or heart problems. This is why it is important to use good tick remedies to provide the necessary protection. 

What for ticks for people? Types of tick remedies 

Different types of tick remedies are available at MILITARY.EU to inactivate or repel ticks: 

• Tick repellents: repellents are chemical agents that repel ticks and other insects, thus preventing them from biting. Repellents are available as sprays, creams, gels or roll-ons. In repellents, you will find active substances such as DEET, icariidin or IR-3131, which affect the nervous system of ticks, causing them to avoid contact with surfaces coated with these agents. Repellents are easy to use and effective, although their action is limited in time, so re-application every few hours is necessary. Repellents will work well during excursions, among other things. 
• Biocides for mosquitoes: Biocides not only repel ticks, but also inactivate them. Active substances such as permethrin paralyse the ticks. Biocides are more durable, but their use requires extreme caution and avoiding contact with the skin. Biocides are used to impregnate clothing or hiking equipment. 
• Natural tick repellents: natural tick repellents contain essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil or citronella oil. Their effectiveness is lower than repellents and they may cause allergic reactions.  
• Ultrasonic tick devices: modern devices that emit ultrasonic sounds at a frequency undetectable by humans and pets, but unpleasant for ticks. Such devices are small and easy to use (they can even be clipped to a pet's collar). They are safe for the skin, including that of children and sensitive skin, as well as pregnant women. They work very well as additional protection when used together with a suitable repellent. 

What's best for ticks - what to look for when choosing one 

The right tick repellent should be chosen by considering the following factors: 

• Activity: for a long stay in the woods or at the lake, it is advisable to bet on longer-lasting preparations that provide longer protection or products that are easy to reapply (for example, repellent spray). 
• Skin sensitivity: people with sensitive skin should choose tick repellents with lower concentrations of the active substance, which can irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction. 
• Age: for children and the elderly, as for people with sensitive skin, choose preparations with low concentrations of the active substance. 

The way to deal with ticks: How else to protect yourself against them? 

In addition to using well-chosen tick preparations, it is worth taking additional protective measures to minimise the risk of being bitten. Such measures include: 

• appropriate clothing - long sleeves, long legs, socks that cover the ankle, full shoes and light colours, 
• avoid tall grasses - ticks are most likely to be found in tall grasses and shrubs, 
• check your skin - after every hike or mushroom picking it is worth inspecting your body carefully, especially looking under the arms, at the groin, bends of the knees and neck.