Tick bites: Accident reports have been increasing for years
As temperatures rise, tick season begins in Switzerland. Data from Swiss accident insurers show a clear trend: significantly more tick bites have been reported in recent years. Now is the right time to protect yourself.
Ticks are widespread in Switzerland and are now found in more and more regions; the whole country is now considered a risk area. The number of reported tick bites has risen significantly since 2005: Between 2005 and 2009, around 9,000 tick bites were reported as accidents each year. Between 2020 and 2024, the figure was already over 14,000.
One possible influencing factor is the climate: milder temperatures favor the spread of ticks and extend their activity period. At the same time, they mean that people spend more time outdoors. The weather and temperatures are also the main reason for the annual fluctuations.
Ticks active for longer and longer
There is less and less reliance on a classic «peak season». Due to milder temperatures, ticks can be active almost all year round in Switzerland. In warm winters, they become active earlier and stay on the lookout for food for longer.
Tick« app»
Tick bites - what to do? How do I effectively protect myself from ticks? The «Tick» app provides answers. The dynamic Hazard map identifies tick risk areas. Thanks to tips on protective measures, you can protect yourself from ticks and prevent yourself from being bitten in the first place. The app automatically reminds the user of the Tick diary to tick bite control.
The app was developed by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, ZHAW, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (IUNR). The prevention tool is available to download free of charge for Android and iOS devices.
Source: Suva
