Vladivostok launches urgent tick control after surge in bites
PrimaMedia, April 22—Vladivostok's seasonal tick control treatment of public spaces continues, with acaricidal measures scheduled for today, April 22, in Sergei Lazo Park of Culture and Recreation, the city administration's press service reports. The work is set for late evening, when visitor numbers are at their lowest.
The Lazo Institution, which oversees park and square maintenance, notes that the treatments are deliberately timed for late evening to minimize public exposure. Residents are advised to exercise caution for the next 24 hours after spraying—avoiding walking on lawns or letting pets onto treated areas—according to a statement from the mayor's office.
The treatments will be carried out in stages. Experts explain that effectiveness depends on weather conditions, so the schedule includes two possible dates for each location. By the end of April, authorities plan to cover 20 popular recreational zones.
Treatment schedule:
- April 22–23: Uspensky Square (near 88 Uspenskogo St.)
- April 23–24: Arsenyev Embankment, Solnyshko Park (near 15 Borodinskaya St.)
- April 24–25: Square at 48 Russkaya St., With the Whales Square at 46 Russkaya St., public space at 36–50 Karbysheva St., square at 8 Ulyanovskaya St.
- April 25–26: Nekrasov Square, Zharikov Square (near Dalzavod bus stop)
- April 26–27: Komsomol Square, Friendship Square (near Avangard bus stop), Sports Harbor Embankment, square near 6 Zhigura St., Ignatiev Square
- April 28–29: Pokrovsky Park, Heroes-Damantsev Square
- April 29–30: Public space near 5 Dobrovolskogo St., Nadibaidze Square, First May Square, Akhlyostyshev Beach
Vladivostok Botanical Garden Shares Tips on Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones from Ticks
Twist counterclockwise, don't pull off the head—but better to seek professional help
As previously reported by PrimaMedia, Primorsky Krai has seen a seasonal surge in tick bite cases since late March. According to Rospotrebnadzor data as of April 15, 275 people from 19 municipalities have sought medical attention. Of 195 ticks submitted for rapid testing, none carried the encephalitis virus, though 22 tested positive for Borrelia bacteria and one for Anaplasma.
Earlier, agency specialists identified Vladivostok's highest-risk tick zones, including the areas around Rnda, Voevoda, and Lesnaya bays, as well as the Nazimova and Saperny peninsulas. High-risk areas also extend to suburban woodlands, which are not included in acaricidal treatment programs.
It is worth noting that Vladivostok has recently launched scheduled acaricidal treatments of public spaces to protect residents from ticks during the spring season. The measures cover parks, squares, cemeteries, and other high-traffic areas. Each location has its own tailored work schedule. Authorities are asking residents to be understanding of these preventive efforts and to follow safety guidelines: for 24 hours after treatment, people should avoid walking on lawns and refrain from taking pets there. In the event of a tick bite, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and submit the insect for laboratory testing.
"Flag Hunting": How Primorye Entomologists Track Ticks in the Botanical Garden
Researchers have begun patrolling designated routes to monitor the population, species composition, and infection rates of these dangerous parasites.
