In the UK, we don't normally have to worry too much about blood-sucking insects. But that doesn't mean we don't have any at all. The UK is home to around 20 species of ticks, one of which, the castor bean or deer tick (Ixodes ricinus), is known to bite humans.
Tick bites are more than just annoying. They can also spread diseases, some of which can have long-term consequences for human health. That's why it's so important to avoid ticks and remove them promptly wherever possible.
Let's look at what you need to know about ticks and how to prevent them from becoming a problem.
📋 Quick answer: how to avoid ticks
- Stick to paths and avoid brushing through long grass, bracken and dense vegetation.
- Cover up: long sleeves, long trousers, tuck trousers into socks, and wear light colours so ticks are easier to spot.
- Use repellent (label-led) on exposed skin (and clothing where suitable), and reapply as directed.
- Do a tick check when you get home (and check children and pets), then remove any attached tick promptly with a proper tool or fine-tipped tweezers.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are arachnids, meaning that, like spiders, they have eight legs. Unlike spiders, though, they feed on the blood of mammals. The deer tick gets its name from often feeding on deer in the wild, but its diet isn't restricted to deer. It can bite domestic animals and even humans too.
Are Ticks Dangerous?
They can be. A tick bite by itself isn't usually a big problem, although it may be a little itchy. The bigger concern is that ticks often carry microorganisms that can cause disease. The deer/castor bean tick can transmit tick-borne encephalitis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, but by far the most common illness caused by ticks is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the best-known tick-borne infection in the UK, which is why preventing bites and removing ticks promptly matters. If you notice a spreading rash (often bullseye-shaped) or flu-like symptoms after a bite, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
This disease is on the rise in the UK, with close to two cases per 100,000 population reported in 2021.
The Tick Life Cycle
To avoid being bitten by ticks, it helps to understand a little about how their life cycle works.
A female tick needs to feed on blood to lay eggs. She'll feed on large mammals like sheep, horses, deer, dogs, cattle and humans for between 6 and 13 days. When feeding is complete, she'll drop off the host and lay her eggs, then die. She may lay thousands of eggs at a time.
The eggs hatch into larvae that look for hosts like moles, mice, birds and bats. Young ticks feed for 3 to 5 days, then drop off the host and shed their skins to grow, in a process called moulting. To find another host, ticks climb to the top of tall blades of grass or branches and wait for a host to brush past. When they reach adulthood, they look for large mammals to use as hosts, including humans.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten by Ticks
1. Know Where Ticks Live
Ticks are commonly found in:
- Long grass and bracken
- Woodlands, moorlands and heathland
- Leaf litter and shady areas
- Gardens and parks (yes, even in cities)
They're most active from spring to autumn, especially from March to October.
2. Dress Smart
When walking in tick-prone areas:
- Wear long sleeves and trousers
- Tuck trousers into socks
- Stick to paths and avoid brushing against vegetation
- Choose light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily
3. Use Repellent
Apply an insect repellent that contains:
- DEET (at least 20%)
- Picaridin
- IR3535
Apply to exposed skin and clothing, especially shoes, ankles and cuffs. If you're using suncream too, apply the suncream first, then the repellent.
4. Check for Ticks
After being outdoors, check your entire body, especially:
- Behind the knees
- Groin
- Armpits
- Scalp and hairline (and behind the ears)
Check children and pets too, and use a mirror or get someone to help with hard-to-see spots.
5. Shower and Change
- Shower within 2 hours of getting home to wash off any unattached ticks
- Put outdoor clothes in a hot wash or tumble dryer to kill any hitchhikers
What to Do if You Get Bitten by a Tick
Remove an attached tick promptly. The safest method is a dedicated tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upwards slowly and steadily (if you're using a dedicated tick tool, follow its instructions, as some are designed to twist gently).
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic afterwards, and wash your hands.
⚠️ Do not
Don't burn the tick, squeeze or crush its body, or try to smother it with creams, petroleum jelly or oils. These can make the tick regurgitate into the bite and increase the risk of infection. Remove it mechanically instead, using a tool or fine-tipped tweezers.
If you spend lots of time outdoors (or have pets), keep a tick-removal tool in your first-aid kit and consider a pet tick-prevention plan with your vet.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so contact a doctor if you notice:
- A bullseye-shaped rash
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, headache)
- Muscle or joint pain
It helps to note the date and location of any bite (a simple "tick log"), as this is genuinely useful information for a pharmacist or GP.
How to Keep Ticks Off Your Property
Ticks are usually encountered in woodlands, fields and countryside areas. However, if you live in a rural place, it's worth taking some common-sense steps to reduce the tick population on your property:
- Keep the grass short
- Trim edges and borders
- Remove leaf litter, especially in shady areas
- Install fencing to keep out wildlife that may carry ticks
Avoiding Ticks
Ticks can cause health problems that last a lifetime, but there's a lot you can do to avoid being bitten. Wear clothes that cover you fully in remote areas, use tick repellent, and check yourself regularly. Reduce undergrowth and moisture on your property to make it less appealing to ticks. Follow these steps and you can keep yourself safe from these blood-sucking creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ticks
Where are ticks most common in the UK?
Ticks are often found in woodland, heathland, long grass, bracken and areas with deer or sheep. You're more likely to pick them up when you brush against vegetation at the edge of paths.
What time of year are ticks active?
Ticks can be active whenever conditions are mild, but most people notice them more from spring through autumn. After warm, humid weather, tick activity can feel higher, so be extra vigilant with checks.
How can I avoid tick bites when walking the dog?
Stick to clear paths, avoid letting your dog run through long grass or bracken, and do a tick check on both of you when you get home. If your dog regularly picks up ticks, speak to your vet about a tick-prevention plan.
Do tick repellents work, and what should I use?
Repellents can help when used label-led. Apply to exposed skin and focus on likely "entry" points (ankles, sock line, cuffs), and reapply as directed, especially if you sweat heavily or get wet. If using suncream too, apply the suncream first, then the repellent.
What's the best way to do a tick check?
Check as soon as you get home, especially behind the knees, the groin and waistline, the armpits, the scalp and hairline (and behind the ears), and along sock lines and cuffs. On children, take particular care around the neck, hairline and behind the ears.
What should I do if I find a tick attached?
Remove it promptly using a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers, gripping close to the skin and pulling steadily. Avoid squeezing the body, twisting aggressively, burning it, or using oils or chemicals.
When should I worry after a tick bite?
Get advice if you develop a spreading rash (often bullseye-shaped), flu-like symptoms, or the bite area becomes increasingly painful or swollen. If you're unsure, a pharmacist or GP can advise, and noting the date and location of the bite is genuinely helpful.
Can ticks come into the house?
Yes, ticks can hitchhike in on clothing, dogs and outdoor gear. Quick wins: shake out clothes outdoors, check the dog, and do a tick check before you settle in.
At PestBuddy, we're here to help you stay protected outdoors. Explore our range of insect repellents to help keep ticks and other biting insects at bay.
