Be Tick Aware

Don't let the bugs bite this summer

As the spring warmer weather arrives, it's important for our health and well-being to get outdoors, enjoy nature and the fresh air. In grassy or wooded areas, including your local park or garden, there may be ticks. Ticks are found throughout the year but are most active between spring and summer.

Being tick aware

Being tick aware can help to reduce the chance of tick bites and risk of Lyme disease.

Ticks:

  • look like a tiny spider like creature
  • attach to animals but can sometimes bite humans
  • attach to the skin of animals or humans that brush past them
  • do not jump or fly.

How can you reduce the chance of getting a tick bite?

  • Walking on clearly defined paths to avoid brushing against vegetation
  • Using insect repellent
  • Wearing light coloured clothes
  • Performing regular tick checks, you may not feel the bite that's why it's important to do a check.

How do you remove ticks safely and quickly?

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops
  2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
  3. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it
  4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water

If you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or develop a spreading circular red rash (which usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks after being bitten), contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly. Let them know if you were bitten by a tick or have recently spent time outdoors.

Find out more about tick awareness from the UK Health Security Agency website.

More from health and wellbeing