In Finland and Sweden, the first signs of tick activity have been noted, marking the onset of tick season earlier than expected. According to data from the TickLive mapping application developed by the University of Turku and Pfizer, over a dozen tick sightings have been recorded across various locations in Finland in the last 30 days. This occurrence seems unusual given that Finland is currently experiencing prolonged cold weather conditions.

Professor Ilari E. Sääksjärvi from the University of Turku explains that the last sightings of ticks in Finland typically occur in November or even December. However, the first ticks start appearing in February, sometimes even earlier if conditions allow. The occurrences this year may be attributed to daytime warming caused by sunshine, which can be significant enough during calm days, especially on southern slopes where the ground can become warm.

Ticks hibernate within the top layers of leaf litter, and even a temperature of five degrees Celsius is sufficient for them to wake up. This situation highlights the impact of changing weather patterns on tick emergence and could have implications for health, as ticks are known carriers of various diseases. This early start to the tick season may require increased public awareness and precautions, especially amongst outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners, to mitigate the risks of tick-borne illnesses during this period.