Be Tick Aware
01 May 2025
Ticks are most active in the UK from March to October, with most bites commonly reported during May and June so it’s important to be tick aware!
Ticks can carry pathogens which cause disease, such as Lyme disease and, more rarely tick-borne encephalitis.
Ticks live outdoors and are particularly common in wooded or grassy areas, but it’s important to note that ticks can sometimes be found in urban gardens.
Find out how to reduce the risk of being bitten, and how to safely remove a tick if you have been bitten.
- Apply a repellent
- Wear long sleeves and trousers to reduce direct skin exposure
- Keep to clearly marked pathways when outdoors
- Regularly check for any ticks and brush off any you find immediately
- Continue checking for ticks when back indoors on yourself, as well as your children and/or pets
If you find a tick on your body, it’s important to safely remove the tick.
- Remove the tick as soon as you can, either using a tick removing device or fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grab the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull upwards
- Clean the area with soap and water
- Keep an eye on the bite area for a few weeks in case of any changes
- If you see a spreading bullseye rash developing, or you become unwell with flu-like symptoms or a headache, contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately.
If you find a tick, you can send it to the Tick Surveillance Scheme to help monitor tick distribution and diversity.