Record High Tick Numbers Reported Across Finland
Finland is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tick populations this year, with nearly 200,000 observations reported to the Punkkilive monitoring service. According to Professor Ilari Sääksjärvi from the University of Turku’s Department of Biodiversity Sciences, this year’s figures have already surpassed the total of around 140,000 observations recorded for the entire previous year (Yle).
Over the past 30 days alone, more than 35,000 tick sightings have been logged, with the highest concentrations in the Helsinki metropolitan area, as well as the Turku, Kuopio, and Oulu regions (Ilta-Sanomat). Sääksjärvi attributes the rise to warm and humid weather conditions, which have created ideal breeding conditions for ticks. He warns that climate change is extending the ticks’ breeding season, suggesting that their numbers will continue to grow in the coming years (Yle, Ilta-Sanomat).
The increase in tick activity has also led to a rise in tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases. Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County has reported 25 confirmed cases of TBE this year, compared to 15 at the same time last year (Ilta-Sanomat). TBE is a serious viral infection that often requires hospital treatment. Health authorities emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease, with the vaccine still recommended even if administered as late as mid-summer.