Ticks enjoy warmer weather as much as we do, so watch out for them if you and your pets are spending more time outdoors.

Ticks can live in woodlands, moors and grassy areas, including parks and gardens. You should check for ticks because they can transmit Lyme disease, and in very rare cases, encephalitis.

Here are some simple actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from tick bites:

• Use tick repellent
• Wear long sleeves and long trousers to reduce direct skin exposure
• Keep to clearly defined paths and avoid brushing against vegetation
• Regularly check for ticks and brush off any you find immediately
• When you’re back indoors, check for any ticks on you, your children and pets
• If you find a tick, safely remove it as soon as possible

To find out more, take a look at one of our earlier posts.