Ticks
How to avoid tick bites and how to recognise when you’ve been bitten.
Ticks are small spider-like animals, which are almost invisible to the naked eye. Most of the time you discover a tick after it has bitten you. That is why it is important to check yourself after you have visited the countryside.
A tick can be the cause of a range of moderate to severe health issues in humans. As it sucks blood, a tick can transfer viruses, bacteria, parasites, and even poison to their human host.
Watch our video to learn more about ticks and how you can prevent them.
If you've been bitten
Remove any found ticks as quickly as possible with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, clean the area, and for several weeks monitor the bitten area for any rashes that may appear.
Contact your doctor immediately if you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or develop a spreading circular red rash.
Ticks measured against a penny
Tick bite prevention
These prevention tips will help you avoid being bitten:
- When outdoors, cover yourself as much as possible to reduce exposed skin
- Wear long shirts and trousers and tuck your trouser legs into your socks
- When returning home, check yourself and children thoroughly for ticks
- Regularly inspect pets for ticks, too
- When outside stay on the path
- Avoid the tall grassy areas
- Wear light-coloured clothing as this makes it easier to see ticks on you/your clothing
- Use insect repellents
More information
For more information, read the government's Be Tick Aware leaflet.
