Every spring, as the thermometer climbs, the trails and natural parks of the Community of Madrid become the scene of a largely unseen but potentially dangerous activity: the proliferation of ticks. These tiny arachnids, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, actively seek a host, whether animal or human, to feed on and, occasionally, transmit diseases.

Unlike other insects, ticks do not bite painfully or make their presence known when they attach, making them a silent danger. They can remain on the skin for hours or days, feeding and, in the process, transmitting pathogens that, if not detected in time, can lead to serious complications.

Among the most notable diseases they can transmit are borreliosis or Lyme disease, which affects joints, the nervous system, and the heart; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a severe viral condition; rickettsiosis, a bacterial infection with fever and rashes; and anaplasmosis, another bacterial infection that may require hospitalization. Prevention and early detection are key to avoiding complications.

To minimize risk, clothing plays a fundamental role. Regional forest agents advise wearing light-colored clothing (white, beige, light gray) to facilitate visual detection of any tick that attaches. Additionally, it is crucial to cover most of the body with long sleeves, long pants, high socks, and closed footwear. Tucking pants into socks, though perhaps not stylish, is a very effective measure. Supplementing this protection with an authorized repellent applied to clothing and exposed skin adds an extra layer of security.

How one moves through the countryside also matters. Ticks do not jump or fly; they wait in vegetation. Therefore, walking in the center of trails, avoiding contact with tall grass or bushes, significantly reduces the chances of encountering them. Sitting directly on the ground in areas with dense vegetation is also discouraged.

Upon returning home, a thorough body check is the most important step. Ticks prefer warm, sheltered areas such as armpits, groins, scalp, navel, and behind the knees. In children, the nape of the neck and behind the ears are key spots. This check should extend to pets, especially dogs, who are often the first to come into contact with vegetation. Washing clothes with hot water upon returning home also helps eliminate any ticks that may have attached.

If a tick is found attached, it is essential to remain calm. Extraction should be done with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling firmly, continuously, and perpendicularly, without twisting or crushing. Afterward, clean the area with soap and water. The use of home remedies like alcohol or petroleum jelly is discouraged, as they can cause the parasite to regurgitate, increasing the risk of disease transmission. If extraction is difficult, it is preferable to go to a health center.

After extraction, it is important to monitor for any symptoms during the following seven to fourteen days. Fever, headache, unusual fatigue, or skin changes around the bite area (redness, rash, or a circular halo characteristic of Lyme disease) are warning signs that require immediate medical attention, always informing about the tick bite.

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to ticks due to their proximity to the ground and their tendency to explore vegetation. Keeping their antiparasitic treatment up to date (pipettes, collars, or tablets) is the most effective measure to protect them, always under veterinary guidance. A thorough check of pets after an excursion is as crucial as for human family members.