Expert comment: Tick prevention advice

We are all looking forward to better weather and spending more time outside. However, warmer weather also brings out some unwelcome guests: ticks!

Ticks are small eight-legged parasites which hang out in long grass and wooded areas. They climb onto and bite people and animals and sometimes spread diseases such as Lyme disease. 

Here are some tips to tackle this eight-legged nuisance:

• After being outdoors, check yourself and your pets for ticks on skin and clothes – catching them early may mean they don’t have the chance to attach. If they do, they can be carefully removed with a tick removal tool or pointed tweezers. Ticks can be sent to the UK Health Security Agency Tick Surveillance Scheme for research.
• Think Sustainably! There is growing evidence that products which kill ticks can have environmental impacts, so follow veterinary advice and only use if your animal is at risk.
• Cover up when walking in areas of long grass – especially where there are deer or sheep.
• Try to avoid areas of long grass during risk periods – usually between February and November.
• For dogs that love a dip (or need lots of showers!), consider using oral products rather than topical (spot on).
• Brushing or combing straight after walking may prevent ticks from attaching to your pet.