Ticks are tiny spider-like parasites which feed externally on the blood of mammals, birds and humans. They are prevalent all year round, but especially so from April to July when the weather is warmer. They favour damp, wet conditions, long grass, bracken and wooded areas where they wait to latch on to the nearest warm blooded passer by, which could just be you.
We all know they can pass Lyme Disease onto their hapless victims, and more information on what to do if you are infected can be found on the NHS website, but it is a potentially dangerous condition if not caught early, so prevention is paramount.
What can we do to prevent being bitten and enjoy our summer days outdoors?
Try to cover up
Wearing long trousers will help prevent ticks getting close to your skin. They are more obvious against dark colours and can be brushed off when you see them. If we’re walking in areas like long bracken, we usually tuck Tshirts in or put on a long sleeve top.
Wearing shorts
If you do, then use repellent containing DEET and check your legs regularly, brushing any off as you see them and before they take hold. Men, with their hairier legs, need to check especially carefully.
Stick to the paths
Where possible, walk on paths or shorter grass and try to avoid pushing through long grass or high bracken. Try and perch on a rock or wall rather than sitting on the ground, and be wary of lying in long grass, especially in summer.
What about camping?
Try and pick a sunny spot as ticks like damp conditions, and one that isn't in the woods, but on more open ground. Bring chairs rather than sit on the floor, spray your tent with repellent and thoroughly shake everything out before you pack it all away. Perhaps leave all your kit out in the sun when you get home, as this will dry and shrivel any unwanted guests. Some camp sites spray for ticks.
Check and double check
A tick, unlike a mosquito bite, doesn't hurt or itch and you probably won't know you've been bitten. Keep checking your clothing and any exposed skin every so often as you walk and brush any off immediately, When you get back to your home or accommodation, shake your boots outside and check yourself thoroughly all over, and that will mean someone else checking you from behind. Check crevices, under arms, in the groin area, around the hairline, on the backs of legs and stomachs, but do check everywhere very thoroughly. They are usually fairly easy to spot, but may be harder in those more 'awkward' areas.
What do you do if you find one embedded in you?
Don't touch it, rub it or scratch it. The important thing it to try and get it out whole; you don't want to leave the head in and you don't want to squash it as you remove it. Use a tick tweezer or a fine pointed pair. Get a good grip on the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull firmly but carefully and preferably straight out, not at an angle. Once everything is out - and you can usually see the whole tick at the end of the tweezer - dispose of the tick carefully, wash your hands, wash the area with soap and water and leave it alone. Don't keep touching it. Not all ticks carry the disease and even if the tick contains the bacteria, it is still possible not to get infected. Check with your doctor or health centre for the most up to date advice as soon as possible.
Then what do you do?
Keep an eye on the area over the following 3-30 days. If you experience any flu like symptoms, reddening of the skin or changes in the feeling or appearance of your skin, see your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis is key.
What about my pets?
Dogs are very susceptible to ticks, but cats can be as well, and they can all contract Lyme Disease like humans, so keep them out of long grass if you can, and check them thoroughly all over in the same way as you would yourself. You can get repellent impregnated collars and preventative treatments, but check with your vet on what is best or recommended. If you do find a tick, use a tick tool and make sure, as with yourself, that you remove the whole tick. If you notice any changes in your pets' mood or behaviour, see your vet straight away.