Ticks are most active this time of year and are commonly found in grassy, wooded, or overgrown areas. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

If you do find a tick on your skin, it’s important to remove it correctly to reduce the risk of infection.

• Try to avoid squeezing the tick’s body, this can push bacteria into your skin.

• If using fine-tipped tweezers, grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards steadily.

• If using a tick removal tool, follow the instructions. Usually, you’ll need to gently twist the tool until the tick releases its grip.

• After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or antiseptic.

What to Watch For: Symptoms of Lyme Disease

One of the earliest signs of Lyme disease is a circular or oval-shaped rash around the bite area. It may appear within 1 to 4 weeks of being bitten (sometimes up to 3 months later). It is usually not hot or itchy.

Some people also develop flu-like symptoms, including:

• High temperature, or feeling hot and shivery

• Headache

• Muscle and joint aches

• Tiredness or loss of energy

When to Contact Your GP

You should contact your GP surgery if:

• You’ve been bitten by a tick in the past 3 months and

• You develop flu-like symptoms and/or a circular or oval rash around the bite

Early treatment with antibiotics is important and can prevent more serious complications.