Ticks are small, blood-sucking arthropods, which are present throughout the UK. They prefer moist, shady areas such as grass and bushes, and least prefer dry areas, but they can survive in many places including parks and gardens. Ticks attach themselves to animals to feed, and will also attach themselves to humans by transferring from vegetation.

Ticks are carriers of a disease known as Lyme disease, which if untreated, can lead to serious illness. While not all ticks carry the disease, and not all tick bites will result in infection, it is important to take necessary precautions to prevent tick bites where possible, and to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, as the longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk of infection.

Ticks are tiny, and their bite is normally painless, so a person will not necessarily know they have been bitten without checking carefully for any ticks.

Blacknest Forest School will:

• Advise parents / carers to send children in long trousers during the summer
• Carry a tick removal tool in the first aid kit, with us at all times
• Look at the children’s legs, arms, neck, ears and hairline before they go home (but we will not do anything in private areas)
• Inform the parents / carers if a tick has been found.

Lyme disease is most effectively treated with early diagnosis. Around two-thirds of people who contract Lyme disease will develop a rash, up to four weeks after the bite, often called a ‘bull’s eye rash’ as it is most commonly a circular red rash that spreads outwards.