Walkers at Bristol park told to 'check yourself' for ticks (2025)

Public health authorities have issued advice on how to manage the risk of getting bitten

Visitors to one of Bristol's most popular beauty spots have been advised to check themselves as tick season begins.

A blog from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted how ticks in England can carry infections, including Lyme disease and even tick-borne encephalitis on rare occasions.

Experts wrote: "Ticks can be active all year round, but they are most active in the months April to July, and sometimes later in the autumn.

"Activity continues over the winter months but at a significantly reduced level. So, we are reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ as they enjoy the great outdoors at any time of the year."

In Bristol, the city council has its own advice on ticks and notes that one parkland in particular is a known habitat.

The council's guide advises: "You could be exposed to ticks whenever you spend time outdoors, including time spent in our woodlands, estates, nature reserves and meadows.

"Ticks have been reported at Ashton Court Estate, in the grass fields. To prevent tick bites, walk on clearly defined paths, to avoid brushing against vegetation, use insect repellent [and] perform regular tick checks on yourself, other household members and your pets...You should check yourself for ticks after you've visited a park or woodland and remove any you find."

The risk isn't a new one, and walkers were similarly advised in a 2021 Facebook post from the park: "You could be exposed to ticks whenever you spend time outdoors, including time spent in our woodlands and meadows. To prevent tick bites keep to the paths, avoid brushing against vegetation, and use insect repellent."

A 2013 University of Bristol study into the prevalence of ticks used Ashton Court as its sample area, and specifically looked at the potential impact on dogs.

Researchers concluded: "Tick infestation of dogs in a peri-urban park is a relatively frequent occurrence and the frequencies reported here are likely to be conservative annual estimates with a considerable degree of under-reporting.

"All dogs that are walked regularly in this park are likely to acquire at least one tick infestation per year.

"All dogs appear to be at equal risk regardless of walk route, although owners of short-haired dogs were more likely to report ticks; infestation was primarily influenced by the frequency of exposure in the park."

How to avoid infection

The UKHSA blog states: "While walking in green spaces, stick to clearly defined paths and try to avoid brushing against vegetation where ticks might be present. Also consider wearing clothing that covers your skin to make it more difficult for ticks to access a suitable place to bite.

"Use insect repellent (for example DEET) and regularly check clothing or exposed skin so that you can spot any crawling ticks and brush them off. After spending time outside, it’s very important to check yourself, your clothing, your pets and others for ticks.

"Remove any attached tick as soon as you find it using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Fine-tipped tweezers are different from regular tweezers that might be used to remove eyebrow hair. They are very narrow and pointed at the tip and ensure that ticks are not squashed during removal."

What to do if you get bitten

The NHS guidance adds: "Tick bites are not always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. To remove a tick safely:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
3. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it.
4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

"The chance of getting ill is low. You do not need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell."

How to recognise the rash

According to the NHS, a circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease. The rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within one to four weeks.

Its appearance has been likened to "a bullseye on a dartboard", with a darker or lighter area in the centre that might gradually spread. The rash can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and people are advised to see their GP if they suspect they could be infected.

This article was originally published in April 2024