Hilking the Alps: Ticks and Mosquitos

Ticks are prevalent at lower elevations in Switzerland, especially in forest and grasslands, and along rivers. Usually not found above 1500 meters.

Here is a recent thread on the topic:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/switzerland/tickborne-encephalitis-tbe-vaccine

Well the Swiss government recommends we (in Switzerland) get vaccinated, you have to decide what is right for your.

TBE vaccination is recommended for all persons aged six or over who live in a risk area. The wearing of skin-covering clothing and the use of tick repellents are also advised.

https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/krankheiten-im-ueberblick/fsme.html

Hi karol -

It’s the very small as opposed to the obviously large that is dangerous in Europe. Ticks to be precise. Without being overly graphic, they tend to go for dark and preferably damp-ish areas, but not exclusively. And, I was once reliably informed, nipples! Bug spray and repellant impregnated clothes will help, but won’t 100% guarantee to solve the problem. An end of day ‘tick check’ is a good idea. This is when a) a torch may be necessary and b) you find out who your real friends are!

Definitely take a small pair of tweezers or tick removal tool and swot up in advance on the techniques and finer points of tick removal. If a ‘bulls eye’ style rash develops around a bite, see a doctor immediately. Antibiotics fix most tick bite problems if it all goes south.

That said, while tick bites might be unpleasant, they are not very common (but not unusual either) and not usually serious health wise.

Ian

We did the My Way Alpine tour in September and none of the hikes we chose were through grassy areas. For me, I would use a spray for hiking instead of bringing repellant clothing.

With that said, I have had a tick-borne disease(anaplasmosis) at home from a tick I never found. Do what you need to do to feel safe.

Thank you all for your responses. We will go well armed and bring a tick removal tool as well as buy a spray when we arrive. (I don't think you can fly with aerosoal can) OR, are spritz bottles ok???

I noticed when we've hiked in the mountains of Colorado, there tends to be lots of mosquitos in areas with melting snow. And being from MN, I know mosquitos. As far as ticks, I got Lyme's after cutting thru a grassy area in Door County, WI. I never saw the tick but I did have the Bullseye rash. Ticks are generally at lower elevations.

I got to wondering about traveling with aerosols on my last trip, which was domestic. I always bring a travel size can of hairspray in my carry on and its never been questioned. I checked my suitcase and answered no to all "the questions", and then later realized that I would have the small aerosol can in my checked luggage. I looked at the TSA website and it allows up to 68 ounces of aerosol, up to 17 ounces per item. Once, I traveled with a car of bear spray, and I'm now thinking that it likely was over 17 ounces.