Tiny, stealthy and increasingly prevalent, ticks are one of Britain’s more insidious pests. With warmer, wetter winters extending their active season, these spider-like bloodsuckers are no longer just a concern for the summer. And whether you’re rambling through the countryside of picnicking in the park, it’s worth knowing how to protect yourself and your pets from the risks of tick bites.
Here’s what you need to know: how to spot ticks, how to safely remove them and crucially, what not to do.
Know your enemy – what is a tick?
Ticks are small parasitic arachnids – ranging from just 1mm to about 1cm in length – that latch on to the skin of animals, including humans, to feed on blood. They’re often mistaken for specks of dirt, but a closer inspection reveals a tiny, wriggling hitchhiker. They prefer warm, moist crevices – think armpits, backs of knees, groins and the scalp.
Most ticks are harmless. But, says GH’s Dr Sarah Jarvis, ‘The danger lies in the ticks carrying the bacteria Borrela burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease. If you’ve been bitten and feel flu-like symptoms any time in the next month or notice a rash spreading, it’s worth contacting your GP right away.’
How to spot a tick bite
Tick bites themselves are usually painless, which makes them easy to miss. The giveaway is often visual: a small red lump and in most cases the tick still attached – like a dark dot anchored to the skin. If you do find a tick, the experts at Lyme Disease UK advise taking a photo, if your phone is nearby. Don't delay removal – the priority should be to remove the tick.
How to safely remove a tick
The NHS suggest the following:
- Use a proper tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible, without squeezing the body. Crushing it can tear the tick and push what’s left further into your body.
- Pull slowly and steadily upwards. Avoid twisting or yanking. A firm, even pull is best.
- Clean the bite site thoroughly. Use soap and water, then apply antiseptic to the area.
- Monitor the bite. Take a picture after you have removed the tick so that you can refer back to it as you monitor the bite site over the next few months.
You can find tick removal tools in most pharmacies (your local Boots should stock them).
What not to do if you get a tick bite
Don’t dig. If part of the tick breaks off and remains under your skin, leave it be; the remnants will usually work themselves out naturally and only cause mild irritation.
Don’t burn or douse the tick in alcohol. These methods, aside from potentially causing further injury, can actually increase the risk of infection.
Don’t panic. There’s no need to rush to the GP after every tick bite. But do keep an eye on the area. If you develop a temperature above 38°C, swollen lymph nodes, or flu-like symptoms in the days or weeks that follow, it's time to seek medical advice.
A rash can appear almost immediately after the bite and settles within two days – ‘that’s usually a histamine response’, says Dr Sarah Jarvis. ‘But if you notice a spreading rash, especially one resembling a bull’s-eye (though it may look different on darker skin), it could be an Erythema Migrans (EM) rash, a hallmark of early Lyme disease. This can appear anytime between 3 days and 3 months (most often between 1 and 4 weeks) after the bite.’
How to prevent a tick bite
Check your clothes – and your home.
After walks in tall grass, woods or parks, inspect your clothing and shake everything off outside. If you've had a pet with you, remember they can bring ticks home too.
Inspect your pets.
In the UK’s largest study of its kind, the 2015 Big Tick Project from the University of Bristol found ticks on 1 in 3 dogs examined – and nearly half of owners had no idea the creatures could pose a risk to humans. After walks, especially in rural or bushy areas, give your pets a thorough check.
Dress defensively
Long sleeves, trousers tucked into socks, and light-coloured clothing make ticks easier to spot and harder to reach your skin.
Where – and when – are ticks most active?
Ticks thrive in woodland, grassy meadows, moorland, and even some urban parks. Their peak season is traditionally March to October, but with climate change bringing milder winters, tick activity is now reported year-round.
Ticks may be tiny, but they pack a punch. Awareness, prevention and timely removal are the best ways to stay safe. Whether you're walking the dog, hiking in the hills or just lounging in your garden– take a few minutes to check for unwelcome passengers.
