Ticks are small, spiderlike creatures that feed on the blood of animals, including people.
They can be found in many different outdoor environments, but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. People are more likely to be bitten if they take part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping, but ticks can also sometimes be found in urban gardens and bought into homes by pets who may pick them up while out or on a walk.
Ticks can carry infections including Lyme disease and, very rarely, tick borne encephalitis. Tick bites can occur at any time of the year but are more prevalent from April to June.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Ticks are a nuisance and can also cause serious illness, so we’re asking everyone to be tick aware this spring.
“You can reduce the chance of getting a tick bite by regularly checking your clothing and exposed skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brushing them off immediately.
“Walking on clearly defined paths will help you avoid brushing against vegetation where ticks may be present, while wearing light coloured clothing will help you spot them more easily.
“You can also use insect repellent to ward off ticks, while wearing long trousers and long sleeved tops will reduce the direct exposure of ticks to your skin, making it more difficult for them to find a suitable area to attach.
“If you spot a tick, you must remove is as soon as possible using a tick removal tool or fine tipped tweezers which are available from pharmacies. You need to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly.”
If you are concerned about a tick bite, please seek medical advice. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you become unwell within a few weeks of being bitten by a tick.
