UK Tick Season Guide: Dangers, Prevention, and How to Remove Ticks Safely
As the UK spring and summer roll in, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails, explore the wilderness, and embrace the outdoors. But with warmer weather also comes the return of a small yet serious threat: ticks.
These tiny creatures might seem insignificant, but they can pose real health risks if you’re not prepared. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ticks, where they’re found, how to stay protected, and what to do if you’re bitten – with practical advice and gear recommendations.
What Are Ticks and Why Should You Care?
Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. While their bites are often painless and may go unnoticed at first, the real danger lies in what they can carry: most notably Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to long-term health problems if not treated early.
In the UK, the most common species is the sheep tick, but others are also present. Not every tick carries disease, but with reports of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) now emerging in parts of England, it’s more important than ever to take precautions.
Where Are Ticks Found in the UK?
Ticks thrive in damp, grassy, and wooded areas. You’ll find them clinging to vegetation, ready to latch onto passing animals or you.
They’re particularly common in:
- Forests and woodlands
- Long grass and overgrown trails
- Moorlands and heathlands
- Urban parks and gardens with wildlife
High-risk areas include South and South West England, the Lake District, Thetford Forest, Scottish Highlands, and parts of Wales. If you’re walking your dog, camping, or hiking in any of these areas, you’re more likely to encounter ticks.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
The best defence is a good offence. Here’s how to reduce your risk of getting bitten:
- Cover up: Wear long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers. Tuck trousers into socks if heading through dense vegetation.
- Stick to paths: Avoid brushing against tall grass or low bushes.
- Use insect repellent: Apply one that’s proven to work against ticks.
- Check your body regularly: After outdoor activity, check yourself, your kids, and your pets, especially behind knees, armpits, waistbands, and hairlines.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic, just remove it correctly and promptly.
Here’s how:
- Use a Tick Remover Tool to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. We recommend either Tick Tweezers or a Tick Removal Card, both of which are available from Lifesystems in compact versions that you can store in your bag.
- Gently twist and pull upwards. Don’t squeeze or crush the body.
- Disinfect the area with antiseptic. Our Trek First Aid Kit comes with these as standard.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
Avoid old myths like burning the tick or using oils or lotions to “suffocate” it—these can make things worse.
Lifesystems Products That Help
We’ve developed reliable, expert-approved tools to help you stay safe this tick season:
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Tick Remover Tool
Compact, easy to use, and ideal for walkers, campers, and pet owners. -
Tick Repellent
Contains the active ingredient Saltidin® to provide targeted protection from ticks. Just spray away. -
Tick Survival Kit
Your go-to kit for protection against ticks. Includes tick repellent, a multi-functional tick card and 6 hygienic cleansing wipes.
Click here to shop the full tick protection range.
Final Tips & When to Seek Medical Advice
After removing a tick, keep an eye on the bite area. If you notice a circular rash (often bullseye-shaped), or experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or fatigue, contact your GP.
Early detection of Lyme disease makes a big difference, so don’t ignore any unusual signs.
For more information, visit the NHS tick bite page.
Stay Protected. Stay Outdoors.
At Lifesystems, we believe in preparing for the adventure, not avoiding it. With the right kit and a bit of awareness, you can enjoy the best of the British outdoors without worry.
