Ticks, Trails & Adventure: What Every Aussie Explorer Should Know

If you spend enough time outdoors in Australia, eventually you’re going to hear the words “tick season.”

Every year around this time the warnings start popping up all over the media, especially about paralysis ticks, and honestly, some of the stories already coming out this season have been heartbreaking, particularly for pet owners.

But while ticks are definitely something to take seriously, they’re also just part of adventuring in Australia. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking coastal tracks, camping or simply hanging out in your backyard, knowing what to look for and how to prevent them makes all the difference.

Tick Season in Australia:

Tick activity generally ramps up from around July through to December, especially along the east coast where warm and humid conditions create the perfect environment for them.

The two ticks Australians hear about most are:

The Common Bush Tick

The Paralysis Tick

Bush ticks are more of an irritation, while paralysis ticks are the dangerous ones that can affect both humans and animals.

Paralysis ticks are most common in coastal areas of Queensland, New South Wales and parts of Victoria, particularly in damp bushland, long grass and scrubby areas.

They’re Not Just in the Bush

One of the biggest misconceptions is that ticks only exist deep in the bush. Not true.

Ticks can absolutely be found:

• In backyards

• Local parks

• Coastal walks

• Around long grass

• Even in suburban gardens

Wildlife like possums, bandicoots, kangaroos and birds can carry them into populated areas, which means sometimes you don’t even need to leave home to come across one.

Another thing people often get wrong is thinking ticks jump. They don’t.

Ticks actually wait on grass or vegetation and climb onto you as you brush past. They’re basically tiny hitchhikers looking for a host.

What Ticks Actually Do Ticks survive by feeding on blood. Once attached, they bury into the skin and slowly feed over several days. During that process, paralysis ticks inject a neurotoxin through their saliva while feeding. That toxin is what can cause serious illness and paralysis in both people and animals.

Symptoms can include:

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Muscle paralysis

• Breathing difficulties

• Allergic reactions

  
  

For pets, things can deteriorate very quickly if a paralysis tick isn’t found early.

How I Try To Prevent Them While Adventuring

Realistically, if you love exploring Australia, avoiding ticks completely probably isn’t going to happen. But there are definitely ways to reduce the risk.

A few things I always keep in mind:

• Wear lighter colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot

• Avoid brushing through long grass where possible

• Use insect repellent designed for ticks

• Check yourself properly after hikes

• Shower once you get home

the biggest thing is simply being vigilant.

After adventures I always check:

• Behind ears

• Hairline and scalp

• Behind knees

• Around waistbands Socks and shoes

Because ticks are tiny when they first latch on, they’re easy to miss.

What To Do If You Find One?

If you find a tick attached, don’t panic. Current Australian advice recommends carefully removing the tick while avoiding squeezing it unnecessarily. Some experts also recommend freezing paralysis ticks first before removal, particularly for people prone to allergic reactions.

After removal:

• Clean the area

• Monitor for symptoms

• Seek medical attention if you experience swelling, weakness or breathing issues

Don’t Forget Your Dogs

If you adventure with dogs, this part is huge.

Dogs are often at even greater risk because they’re constantly running through grass, scrub and bushland. Paralysis ticks inject a neurotoxin while feeding, which can cause rapid paralysis and become life-threatening if not treated quickly.

There are thankfully plenty of preventatives available now including:

• Tick collars

• Oral preventatives

• Spot-on treatments

  
  

And no matter what preventative you use, regular checks are still incredibly important.

Diego is a dingo, and one really interesting thing about dingoes and some native animals is they appear to have a level of natural resistance or immunity to paralysis ticks compared to domestic dogs. Some veterinary and wildlife sources suggest native animals build tolerance through long-term exposure to ticks over generations.

That said, resistant definitely doesn’t mean immune.

I still check Diego over constantly after adventures, especially:

• Between his paws

• Inside and around the ears

• Around the face and neck

  
  

Those seem to be the spots ticks love most.

Adventure Is Still Worth It, Tick season can sound scary when the warnings start flooding social media and the news every year.

But for me, awareness is the key....not fear.

Australia’s bushland, waterfalls, mountain tracks and coastal adventures are still absolutely worth exploring. Being outdoors is one of the best parts of living here.

Ticks are just another reminder that nature deserves respect, preparation and a little extra vigilance sometimes.