Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans
“Rampant” ticks are causing issues to people in one part of Wales – as experts say the recent heatwave may be the reason more people are reporting bites.
Anecdotal reports from parts of north Wales suggest disease-carrying ticks are “rampant” in parts of the region this year. In the past week, social media reports have centred on the west Gwynedd coast where one woman claimed to have removed 35 unattached ticks from a single dog, while a man said he’d been targeted by “20 so far this year”, according to North Wales Live.
The advice is people should avoid walking through long vegetation, wear clothing that covers the skin and check themselves, children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Any ticks should be removed quickly and walkers are also advised to tuck trousers into socks – and wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off.
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They are usually tiny but swell considerably after gorging on blood. They have either six or eight legs.
They are found across Wales, typically in areas with long grass, bracken, heathland and woodland where they can attach to people and passing animals. If you drag a white sheet over long grass, you may be amazed to see how many tiny ticks attach to it.
Tick bites aren’t usually painful and often only cause a small red lump where bitten. If “bullseye” rash appears you should see your GP as it’s an indicator of Lyme disease. It’s not a fail-safe symptom – one in three cases don’t present with this circular rash.
Dogs also need regular checks and if possible walkers should stick to clearly marked paths to avoid walking through long grass. Public Health Wales (PHW) said it was aware of reported tick infestations in northwest Wales but cautioned this may only be because people flooded outdoors during last week’s heatwave.
Dr Andrew Nelson, Zoonoses Lead at PHW, said: “Tick activity can vary from year to year depending on a range of environmental factors, including weather conditions, vegetation growth and the abundance of wildlife that ticks feed on.
“Warmer weather can also lead to more people spending time outdoors, increasing the likelihood of people encountering ticks.
“Public Health Wales is aware of reports from members of the public about increased numbers of ticks in some parts of north Wales. However, it is difficult to determine whether this reflects a genuine increase in tick populations or increased exposure and reporting following recent periods of warm weather.”
One dog owner said online: “Went to Harlech beach this week and came home to find both dogs absolutely covered it ticks from the sand dunes.”
A farmer added: “Ticks are everywhere this year and earlier too, cattle and sheep here look like they’re wearing chainmail – dogs too.”
Ticks are the most common source of vector-borne diseases in Britain. Each year around 1,500 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease are reported in England and Wales, with a further 1,000-2,000 people diagnosed via clinical assessment.
On average, around 4% of ticks are infected, though this can be higher in some areas. Studies estimate that 1% to 5% of tick bites result in Lyme disease. In other words, as stressed by the UK Government, “the majority of tick bites will not cause Lyme disease”.
Tick prevention is possible and a host of remedies are available – though the UK Government recommends using insect repellents containing DEET. PHW said the best approach is to cover up during tick season – this runs April from to October, though ticks can be active all year round.
Dr Nelson said: “When enjoying the outdoors during the tick season, we advise people to stick to clearly marked paths where possible, avoid walking through long vegetation, wear clothing that covers the skin and check themselves, children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
“Prompt removal of ticks remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.” Walkers are also advised to tuck trousers into socks – and wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login