Experts warn that ticks are increasingly found in urban areas, including city parks and gardens, highlighting a rising trend in tick-related disease incidents in Lithuania.
According to specialists, ticks are becoming more prevalent in areas where they were not typically expected, such as city parks, gardens, and even lawns close to houses. The insurance company BTA reports that the number of incidents related to tick-borne diseases is on the rise in Lithuania, increasing approximately by one-fifth over the past three years. This includes a jump from around 420 cases in 2023 to approximately 600 registered incidents in 2025.
The growing number of tick-related incidents indicates not only that tick-borne diseases remain a significant health issue but also that human contact with ticks is increasing. Lukas Kaškevičius, a risk assessor at BTA, suggests that as people spend more time outdoors, the likelihood of encountering ticks increases. It is notable that ticks are now commonly found not just in forests but also in urban green spaces, which raises concern among health officials regarding public awareness and preventive measures that need to be taken.
A personal account from a Vilnius resident who had a traumatic experience after a forest outing underscores the dangers posed by ticks. This individual warns others to be vigilant, illustrating the real-life implications of tick bites and the need for greater awareness of prevention in both rural and urban settings. Such experiences accentuate the importance of being informed about tick presence and taking necessary precautions, considering the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases in various environments.
