Staying safe from ticks and tick bites
Published by
Windsor Great Park
May 31 2025
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Woods and trees provide a rich habitat for diverse wildlife, but some species like ticks—are best avoided. Discover where ticks are commonly found, how they thrive in woodland environments, and the steps you can take to protect yourself from bites.
What is a tick?
Ticks are small arachnids closely related to spiders, mites, and scorpions. These parasites sustain themselves by latching onto larger animals and consuming their blood.
The UK is home to various tick species, some of which carry bacteria capable of transmitting diseases to humans and dogs.
Although active throughout the year, you are most likely to see them between spring and autumn.
What do ticks look like?
These small eight-legged parasites range in colour from reddish to dark brown or black. If you or your dog is bitten, the tick will appear as a small dark bump on the skin.
Their size varies, but they are typically no larger than a sesame seed (1–3mm). After feeding, they can swell to approximately the size of a coffee bean.
Ticks thrive in dense vegetation.
Where do ticks live?
Ticks are common across the UK and thrive in dense vegetation, including woodlands, heathlands, and tall grass. Since they cannot fly, they rely on attaching themselves to passing hosts.
How to avoid ticks
To reduce the risk of tick bites, consider the following precautions:
- Stick to footpaths and avoid walking through dense vegetation
- Dogs should be kept under control on a lead
- Cover exposed skin and tuck trousers in socks. Wearing light-coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot and remove
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET to further minimise the chances of being bitten
- Dogs should use a tick treatment that either kills or repels them if they attach themselves
Stick to footpaths.
Wear light coloured clothes.
Apply insect repellent containing DEET.
How to check for ticks
After spending time outdoors, check yourself thoroughly, as tick bites are often painless and can go unnoticed. Ticks tend to bite in warm areas of the body, including the groin, armpits, hairline, and behind the knees. Remember to inspect dogs as well, as they can carry ticks in their fur.
Ticks bite in warm areas of the body.
Check your dog thoroughly.
How to remove ticks
If you find a tick, remove it safely as soon as possible:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers (not the blunt kind used for eyebrows) or a special tick remover, both of which are available at most pharmacies
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull upwards in a slow, steady motion. Avoid crushing or squeezing it and dispose of it in a sealed container or bag once removed
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic or soap and water
Use a tick removal tool.
The same tool can be used on dogs.
Clean the bite area and wash your hands.
What is Lyme disease?
A circular red “bull’s eye” rash.
Most tick bites are harmless, but some ticks carry Lyme disease, making it important to recognise the symptoms.
Early signs often include a circular red “bull’s eye” rash around the bite site. On darker skin this might be more difficult to see, but a bite is normally accompanied with itching making it easier to find. Not everyone develops a rash though, so it’s also crucial to watch for flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- General aches and pains
If you experience any of these after a tick bite, seek medical advice from a GP promptly. For more information, visit the NHS website.
Symptoms in dogs include:
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lameness
- Swollen and painful joints
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lethargy
If your dog experiences any of these after a tick bite, seek medical advice from your Vet. For more information visit the RSPCA website.
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