punkki

Punkki is the Finnish term for ticks, small arachnids that are external parasites of birds and mammals, including humans. Ticks belong to the subclass Acari and the order Ixodida. They are hematophagous at every active life stage and can transmit a variety of pathogens to animals and people.

Life cycle and biology

Ticks go through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Eggs hatch into larvae (six legs), which seek a host and obtain a blood meal. After dropping off, larvae molt into nymphs (eight legs), which also feed on a host. The final molt produces adults (eight legs), with females typically requiring a larger blood meal before laying eggs. Ticks locate hosts by questing on vegetation, waiting with outstretched legs to latch onto passing animals or humans. They are most active in warm, humid conditions.

Species and distribution

In Europe and temperate regions, Ixodes ricinus (the sheep tick or common European tick) is widespread and a major vector. In some areas, Ixodes species or other genera may be present. Ticks inhabit forests, heathlands, and grassy areas with adequate humidity, and their populations are influenced by climate and wildlife hosts such as small mammals and deer.

Diseases and risks

Ticks are vectors for several diseases. In many temperate regions, Lyme borreliosis (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the most notable. Other pathogens include Anaplasma and Babesia species. Transmission risk depends on tick species, life stage, duration of attachment, and local pathogen prevalence.

Prevention and removal

Preventive measures include protective clothing, repellents (DEET or picaridin), and permethrin-treated clothing; regular body checks after outdoor activity; staying on clear paths and avoiding dense vegetation. If a tick is attached, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure. Do not squeeze the body; disinfect the site afterward and save the tick if possible for identification or illness monitoring. Vaccination against TBE is available in endemic areas.