Tick awareness: staying safe in the countryside this summer

BASC’s deer officer James Sutcliffe explains that while small in size, ticks can pose a significant health risk, making awareness and vigilance essential for anyone working, shooting or just out and about in the countryside.

For many who spend time in the countryside, ticks are an unwelcome but familiar part of life. Whether encountering them while stalking through bracken, working on the hill, or carefully removing them from a dog after a walk, these tiny parasites are an unpleasant reality of being outdoors.

There is also a growing perception that ticks are becoming more common across the UK. The reasons for this are likely varied. Milder winters and warmer, wetter conditions may be creating an increasingly favourable environment for ticks to thrive. Expanding deer populations, alongside woodland creation and habitat restoration projects, may also be providing more hosts and suitable habitat.

Whatever the cause, ticks are now firmly established throughout much of the UK countryside and show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. As we head into the warmer months, it is worth taking a moment to refresh our understanding of the risks they pose and the simple steps we can take to protect ourselves.

Understanding the tick

Ticks are small parasitic arachnids – relatives of spiders and mites – that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Several species occur in the UK, but the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) is by far the most widespread and is commonly found in woodlands, heathlands, moorland and areas of rough grassland.

Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation for a suitable host to brush past. Once attached, they seek out a suitable area of skin and begin feeding. While the tick itself is generally more of an irritation than a serious threat, the diseases it can carry are a much greater concern.

Lyme disease: the hidden danger

The principal health concern associated with tick bites in the UK is Lyme disease. This bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

Although not all ticks carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, it remains important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical advice if concerns arise.

Early symptoms can include fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. One of the most recognised signs is the characteristic circular rash that can develop around the site of the bite. Often referred to as a “bullseye” rash, it typically appears as a red ring surrounding the bite area.

However, it is important to remember that not everyone develops this rash. If you have been bitten by a tick and later experience symptoms that could be associated with Lyme disease, it is advisable to contact your GP or seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of longer-term complications.

Prevention is better than cure

For BASC members, avoiding tick habitat altogether is rarely a practical option. Many of the activities we enjoy, from shooting and stalking to dog walking and conservation work, take us directly into the environments where ticks are most commonly found.

The key is vigilance. Anyone spending time in tick-prone areas should get into the habit of carrying out a thorough tick check when returning home. Deer stalkers in particular will be familiar with this routine, as ticks can sometimes transfer from a deer carcass onto clothing and equipment before attaching themselves to the stalker.

Ticks are often found in warm, concealed areas of the body, including the armpits, groin, waistline and behind the knees, so these areas deserve particular attention.

If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible using a purpose-made tick removal tool or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upwards. Avoid squeezing or crushing the body of the tick, as this can increase the risk of transmitting infection.

Additional precautions can also help reduce the risk of bites. Wearing long trousers, tucking trousers into socks in high-risk areas, using insect repellents and investing in tick-resistant clothing can all provide an extra layer of protection.

Stay informed and stay safe

Ticks are likely to remain a feature of countryside life for the foreseeable future, but a little awareness goes a long way. Regular tick checks, prompt removal and knowing the signs of Lyme disease are simple measures that can help keep you, your family and your dogs safe.

For further information, members can consult resources such as the Deer Initiative’s best practice guidance and the NHS website. As always, if you have any concerns following a tick bite, seek professional medical advice.

Enjoy the countryside this summer – just remember to keep an eye out for these small inhabitants.

James Sutcliffe

James Sutcliffe is BASC’s deer officer. He has over 10 years’ experience of recreational and professional deer stalking and gamekeeping. He has spent time guiding in New Zealand and managing wild boar and red stags in Germany. James is a keen rifle and shotgun shooter who enjoys working his Labradors throughout the game shooting season.