As the UK braces for temperatures of up to 33°C next week, health experts are urging the public to be vigilant against tick bites. The combination of warm weather and frequent rainfall creates ideal conditions for these blood-sucking pests, which can transmit Lyme disease.
Why Ticks Are Thriving This Summer
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explains that higher temperatures and rain produce the damp environment ticks need to survive. 'People may be more likely to encounter ticks in long grass, woodland, heathland and other green spaces,' she says. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that Lyme disease remains the most common vector-borne disease in England, with 1,168 laboratory-confirmed acute cases in 2025. Tick bites peak in June, making this a high-risk period.
What Does a Tick Bite Look Like?
Tick bites often appear as a small red bump, similar to a mosquito bite, and are usually painless. It's crucial to check your skin after being outdoors. While most bites don't cause illness, some ticks carry bacteria that lead to Lyme disease. An early sign is a spreading circular rash resembling a bullseye, present in 70% of cases, along with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and fever. This rash can develop up to three months after a bite, but typically within the first month.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool from pharmacies, vets or pet shops. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly without squeezing or crushing it. Dispose of it and clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. 'Avoid twisting, squeezing or attempting home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail varnish or heat, as these methods can increase the risk of complications,' Dr Wylie advises.
Risks of Untreated Lyme Disease
Untreated Lyme disease can lead to serious complications, including dizziness, nerve pain, facial paralysis, irregular heartbeat and arthritis. 'One of the challenges is that many people never realise they've been bitten,' Dr Wylie notes. 'Ticks can be extremely small, and their bites are usually painless. By the time symptoms develop days or weeks later, the original bite may have been forgotten.' Some patients experience persistent tiredness, aches and loss of energy for years after treatment.
Preventing Tick Bites
Ticks are found in a wide range of locations, including local parks, nature reserves, woodland paths and overgrown gardens. To reduce risk, wear long trousers and long sleeves, tuck trouser legs into socks, and choose light-coloured clothing to spot ticks easily. Insect repellents containing DEET offer additional protection. After outdoor activities, check your body thoroughly, especially behind the knees, around the waistline, in the groin, under the arms and along the scalp. Don't forget to check children and pets.
Despite the risks, Dr Wylie encourages people to enjoy the outdoors. 'Walking, cycling and spending time in nature are fantastic for both physical and mental health. However, a quick tick check at the end of the day could be one of the simplest health precautions people take this summer.'
