Spring and summer walks are an essential part of childhood — fresh air, movement, and the natural world all contribute to healthy development. But the warmer months also bring ticks, and children are particularly vulnerable: they play close to the ground, move through vegetation without thinking about it, and can't check themselves after a walk the way adults do. Protecting children from tick bites is one of the most straightforward steps parents can take to keep those outdoor adventures genuinely safe.
Where and When Ticks Are Most Active
Ticks are no longer confined to deep forests and mountain trails. In recent years they have adapted increasingly well to suburban and urban environments — garden hedgerows, municipal parks, grass verges, and even private backyards can all harbour ticks during the active season. Any outdoor space with vegetation carries some risk.
The tick season in Europe runs from late March to October, with two peak periods: April and May, and again from August to October. These are the months when vigilance matters most. Ticks don't jump or fall — they wait on vegetation at low heights (typically 20–80 cm from the ground) and attach when a child brushes past. Even a short afternoon in the garden during these months warrants a post-outing check.
The Risks: Why Fast Action Matters
Tick bites are painless. A tick's saliva contains a natural anaesthetic, which means children will not feel the bite and cannot report it. By the time a tick is found, it may have been attached for hours — which is why daily checks during tick season are non-negotiable, and why preventive measures reduce risk far more reliably than reactive ones.
The most widely known tick-borne illness is Lyme disease (borreliosis), caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. But ticks also transmit tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) — a viral infection that can cause meningitis and is particularly dangerous in children — as well as tularaemia and haemorrhagic fever. The good news: transmission of most tick-borne pathogens is not instantaneous. In most cases, a tick must be attached for 24 to 48 hours before disease transmission becomes likely, which means finding and removing a tick promptly is genuinely protective.
[warning:If a child develops a bullseye rash (a red ring expanding outward from a bite site), fever, fatigue, or joint pain in the days or weeks following a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly and mention the tick exposure. Early treatment of Lyme disease is significantly more effective than delayed treatment.]Where to Check Your Child After Being Outdoors
Ticks gravitate to warm, sheltered areas of the body. After every outdoor outing during tick season, check your child's entire body with particular attention to:
- Behind the ears and along the hairline
- The scalp (especially in children with thick hair)
- The back of the neck
- The armpits and the inside of the elbows
- The groin and inner thighs
- Behind the knees
- Between the toes
Run your fingertips slowly over the skin — an attached tick feels like a small, firm bump. Check clothing and remove it before coming indoors where possible, as ticks can transfer from fabric to skin after returning home.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you find a tick already attached, remove it as quickly as possible. Use fine-pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure — do not twist, squeeze, or crush the body, as this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin, and may increase the risk of pathogen transmission. After removal, clean the area with antiseptic. Note the date and monitor the bite site for the following weeks. If you're unsure whether the tick was fully removed, or if your child develops any symptoms, consult a doctor.
[tip:A simple tick removal card or dedicated tweezer tool kept in a small pouch in your child's backpack means you're never caught without the right equipment on a forest walk or nature trip.]Prevention Methods for Children
Clothing
During spring and autumn walks in woodland or long grass, dress children in long sleeves, long trousers tucked into socks, and a hat or hood. Light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot. This approach is most practical in cooler weather; in summer, it needs to be combined with other methods.
Avoid Strong Fragrances on Clothing
Heavily scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners can attract ticks and other insects. During tick season, opt for fragrance-free or lightly scented products, particularly for children's clothing worn outdoors.
Ultrasonic Repellents: Chemical-Free Protection
For parents who prefer to avoid chemical repellents on children's skin, ultrasonic tick repellent devices are a practical alternative. Worn clipped to clothing, a collar, or a backpack strap, they emit high-frequency sound waves that disorient ticks and reduce their ability to locate a host. They're safe for use from birth, require no application, and work continuously without any chemical contact. Dedicated children's models are available in sizes and designs suited to kids of different ages.
[products:tickless-baby-ultrasonic-tick-repellent-beige, tickless-baby-ultrasonic-tick-repellent-pink, tickless-kid-ultrasonic-tick-repellent-orange, tickless-eco-kid-ultrasonic-tick-repellent-brown]DEET-Based Sprays and Roll-Ons
DEET is the most extensively tested and widely used insect and tick repellent active ingredient available. It is effective against ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects and provides reliable, time-limited protection when applied to skin and clothing. For children, lower DEET concentrations (around 10–20%) are recommended; higher concentrations are intended for adults or prolonged exposure. Apply to exposed skin and outer clothing, avoiding the hands (which children put near their mouths), eyes, and any broken skin. Reapply as directed — typically every few hours — and wash off after returning indoors.
[products:mugga-spray-9-5-deet-insect-repellent-75-ml, mugga-roll-on-20-deet-insect-repellent-50-ml] [warning:Do not apply DEET-based products to children under 2 years of age without medical advice. For younger children, ultrasonic devices or physical barriers are the preferred first line of protection.]Essential Oils: A Natural Complement
Several plant-based essential oils have recognised tick and insect deterrent properties and are a gentler option for parents who want to reduce chemical exposure. Lavender, lemon eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, clove, and tea tree oils are among those most commonly used. Diluted in a carrier oil or added to a spray bottle with water, they can be applied to clothing and exposed skin. They're less durable than DEET and need more frequent reapplication, making them best used as a complementary layer rather than a sole method — particularly during peak tick activity.
[products:bilovit-lemon-eucalyptus-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-lavender-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-geranium-essential-oil-10-ml, bilovit-lemongrass-essential-oil-10-ml]Browse our full insect and tick protection range and our selection of electronic tick repellents at Medpak for all options in one place — shipped quickly from within the EU.
[note:All Medpak orders are dispatched from within the EU — fast delivery with no customs delays for customers across Europe.]
