The tick season in Finland is beginning as observations are already being reported in mid-March, indicating an early start to this year's cycle. According to research, the tick season has lengthened due to climate change, with the ticking from March-April often lasting until November. Warmer winters have also allowed for ticks to be active in southern Finland almost year-round, significantly increasing the risk for residents.

With temperatures over five degrees Celsius, ticks become active, and Finland has recently experienced a mild winter leading to increased sightings. Olivia Kuusinen, the CEO of the Finnish Vaccination Service, notes that citizen reports of tick sightings tend to surge once the snow starts melting. This year, pet owners are among the first to observe and report ticks as they check their dogs, prompting discussions about the need for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccinations.

Ticks thrive in moist environments such as forests, meadows, and the edges of ditches and rivers. As more ticks are anticipated this season, it is essential for residents to prepare adequately. Awareness of tick habitats and risks is crucial to ensure that protective measures can be taken to prevent tick bites and potential diseases associated with them. Overall, public health officials urge Finnish residents to be vigilant this season.