How to protect yourself from ticks
Ticks can transmit Lyme borreliosis and TBE to humans. Our occupational doctor explains how to protect yourself from the bites of these parasites. Tick bites in Switzerland lead to around 10,000 visits to the doctor every year. These bites are considered to be an accident and cost millions of francs. Ticks can transmit Lyme borreliosis or TBE (spring-summer meningoencephalitis) to humans. Although there is no total protection against the diseases transmitted by these parasites, with a few simple precautions it is still possible to reduce the chances of being bitten. Protect yourself from tick bites Above 8 degrees Celsius, avoid places where it is possible to come into contact with ticks: edges of woods and paths, bushes, foliage, scrub and undergrowth, meadows and ferns up to 1.5 m above the ground and at altitudes up to 2000 m. Wear light-coloured closed clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Ticks are easier to spot on light-coloured clothing. Th...