As the weather warms up, ticks will be lurking in the undergrowth looking for their next host and whilst most bites are harmless, they can also lead to serious illness. Our advice is to know where they are likely to be and to take measures to avoid getting bitten. If you are unlucky, make sure you know how to remove them and know how to watch for signs of Lyme disease which can make you pretty unwell.

The most common tick in the UK is the sheep tick but don’t be fooled by the name as they will bite pretty much any nice warm animal and that includes you! As they tend to prefer grassy areas or bracken, they usually go for the legs of Adults but children are more likely to get bitten above the waist and in the hair line.

The bite is virtually painless and often the tick is not noticed until it is nicely full of blood! At this point it is tempting to attempt to pull it off as quickly as possible but this can lead to infection as often the head will still be attached to your skin and it is likely to expel it’s contents back into your system if stressed!

Here’s our advice for a tick free summer

• When in long grass or bracken – especially in areas where Sheep graze or Deer are common – always cover lower legs and ideally tuck trousers into socks!
• Wear lighter coloured clothing as this makes it easier to check for Ticks.
• When checking for ticks – pay attention to skin folds and hairier areas.
• Avoid bringing them in to the house by checking clothing and kit straight away when you return.
• If you do find a tick – remove it using a special tick remover ( see below)
• Do not  try to to pull it out, burn it off or use substances like Vasoline – Listen to the experts and not old wives tales!
• If you have been bitten – make sure you know the symptoms of Lyme Disease and go straight to your GP if you think you could be at risk.

How to remove a tick

There are a number of tick removers available – you can get them in outdoors shops, chemists and even your local vets!

They all come with instructions.

Lyme Disease

There are a number of symptoms of Lyme disease and they vary from person to person. many people do get a rash around the bite that does not itch but is roughly circular and paler in the centre. It looks almost like a target with the bite in the centre, follwed by a pale ring and then a darker red one.

Others report flu like symptoms and are feverish. Our advice is …if you feel unwell or have the reaction to the bite in the form of a circulkar rash. get checked out as a precaution. For more information click here LYME DISEASE ACTION

NOTE:- If you are venturing further afield with your poles, please be aware that Ticks do also carry other diseases (such as TBE)  which can be very serious. See this advice from PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND and download their info leaflets if you are off on your travels.