Check for Ticks After Today's Race using the Tick Card
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
As part of your welcome packs at EYOC 2026, all competitors received a special, custom-branded tick card. Because we know how unpredictable and lively our forests can be, this handy tool is an essential piece of equipment for every orienteer.
What exactly is a tick card and what is it for?
The tick card is a practical, credit-card-sized tool that you can easily keep with you in your wallet or running pack at all times. Unlike traditional tweezers, this card is specifically engineered for the safe, quick, and painless removal of ticks directly from the skin.
The Slovenian forests where today's challenging competitions take place (such as today's Long distance at Lokve) are beautiful, but unfortunately, they are also quite heavily populated with ticks. Since brushing against bushes and tall grass makes contact with them almost inevitable, it is crucial to take action immediately after crossing the finish line.
How to use the card?
Using the card is extremely simple and minimizes the risk of squeezing the tick during removal (which reduces the risk of transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease or Tick-borne encephalitis):
Body Check: Immediately after today's race, take the time to thoroughly check your entire body (pay special attention to the armpits, behind the knees, around the belly button, and the hairline).
Position the Card: If you find a tick, slide out your branded EYOC tick card. Choose one of the slots (the larger one is for adult ticks, while the smaller notch on the corner is perfect for tiny nymphs or small ticks).
Slide and Lift: Push the card's notch tight against the skin so that the tick is caught in the narrowing part of the slot. Then, simply slide the card forward and slightly upward in a smooth motion – the tick will be pulled out cleanly in one piece, including the head.
Disinfect: Clean and disinfect the bite site after removal.
Simple how to use instructions are also printed on the card.
Your health and safety come first. We hope this practical EYOC souvenir serves you well – both today while analyzing your split times (which you can follow on WinSplits) and on all your future orienteering adventures!
Head to the showers after your run, and then make sure to do a thorough check with your EYOC tick card in hand! And do the same tomorrw after the Relay race.
Safe running! 🏃♂️🌲