In reply to SAF:
Ticks seem to be especially prevalent this summer, so this is an opportune warning. Warm weather since the end of March in North Wales appears to have encouraged parasitic ticks to emerge earlier than last year and the lack of a hard winter will have contributed as well. People who live in the countryside may have more awareness of the risks, but urban dwellers may have much less awareness and perhaps not have any at all.
Despite the recent hot weather, I haven't dared walk anywhere in shorts as our 2 dogs have picked up loads of ticks on every single recent visit to the Rhinogydd for instance. The situation will only get worse now that the bracken has taken hold. Other than trying to cover up, using repellent and checking yourself CONSTANTLY if out in a potentially high-risk environment - which is basically anywhere and everywhere with sheep and other livestock, including feral goats and tall grasses, bracken, rushes or leafy plants such as bilberry - there's little else that can be done. I constantly check my ankles, legs and feet during the day if walking around in rock shoes at a crag.
Ticks are very nasty things and the transmission of tick borne diseases is a real danger and particularly as there's a small but significant risk of contracting Lyme disease or even babesiosis from a tick bite, then it may be worth reiterating Bada UK's current advice:
- Tuck long trousers into socks and choose clothes with elastic or a drawstring at the waist, wrist and ankle
- Use an insect repellent
- Carry a tick-removal tool and antiseptic wipes
- Avoid over-hanging vegetation at the edge of paths where ticks may be waiting
- Have a "tick buddy" to help you check your body. Pay particular attention to the scalp.
Post edited at 11:25