Ticks

Ticks are small parasites that feed on the blood of animals, including passing people and their pets. Ticks are common in the countryside, particularly in areas where there is heath and woodland and a lot of wildlife including larger mammals like deer, and can be found throughout South Lakeland.

Ticks can pass on a number of serious infections, including Lyme Disease which can affect the skin, nervous system, the heart and other organs. The most common symptom is a large rash spreading from the tick bite, sometimes accompanied by flu like symptoms. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics and if you have been bitten by a tick and develop a rash or feel ill, it is important that you visit your GP and advise them that you believe you have been bitten by a tick. The Health Protection Agency estimates that between 1000 to 3000 cases of Lyme disease occur in the UK each year.

Peak times of year for tick bites are late spring through to autumn, but ticks may feed during mild winter conditions. Ticks usually stay attached and feed for three to five days. The risk of infection is low in the first 24 hours that the tick is attached, so early removal of the tick greatly reduces the risk of infection.

South Lakeland District Council has produced an information leaflet on ticks which gives guidance on how to avoid being bitten and how to safely remove ticks from people and pets. The leaflet is available by clicking this link.

 Leaflet regarding Ticks (PDF, 517 Kb)

Please refer to the following links for further information regarding ticks.

Health Protection Agency - General Information

Bada Uk - Take action against Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease Action - What are ticks