Tick Guide
Ticks might be tiny, but they pack a punch. These little bloodsuckers latch onto humans and animals to feed, and while they're at it, they can spread some pretty nasty diseases. That’s why tick control isn’t just about comfort - it’s about protecting your health and your pets too.
DEER BIOLOGY
Risks Ticks Pose To Humans
Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, which causes flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and in serious cases, nerve and joint issues. Some people can even develop allergic reactions to tick bites. If left untreated, tick borne illnesses can become long-term health problems—so avoiding bites in the first place is key.
Risks Ticks Pose To Pets
Your pets are at even higher risk from ticks. Dogs and cats can pick up ticks on walks or even just in the garden. If a tick bites them, it can cause skin irritation, anaemia from blood loss, and even spread diseases like canine babesiosis or Lyme disease. Not nice for them - and not great for you if those ticks hitch a ride indoors.
Did you know:
Ticks don’t jump or fly - they climb and wait! They use a behaviour called “questing”,where they stick their legs out to grab onto passing animals (or humans).
Tick BIOLOGY
TYPES OF TICK IN THE UK
There are several species of tick found in the UK, but the most common ones include:
- Sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) – found in grassy and wooded areas.
- Hedgehog tick (Ixodes hexagonus) – often found on pets.
- Dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) – becoming more widespread.
Each species has its favourite host and environment, but all can pose a risk to health.
HOW TICKS CHOOSE A HOME
Ticks love damp, shady environments. Think long grass, leaf litter, woodland paths, and overgrown gardens. They're ambush predators, climbing up vegetation and waiting to grab on to something warm- blooded as it walks past. Once they’re on, they crawl around to find a good feeding spot. They will stay on a host until they are full, which depending on the tick could be anything between 3 and ten days.
SIGNS TICKS ARE AROUND
Ticks are sneaky, so spotting them can be tricky. Signs you might have ticks nearby include:
- Pets scratching or biting themselves more than usual
- Tiny dark lumps on pets that turn out to be ticks
- Frequent bites after spending time outdoors
- High grass, overgrowth, and presence of wildlife like deer or rodents
WHY TICKS ARE MORE COMMON IN THE SUMMER MONTHS
Ticks are more active in warmer, humid conditions - so spring and summer are peak times. That’s when people and pets are spending more time outdoors, giving ticks more chances to hitch a lift. Milder winters also mean ticks are surviving longer, which is why they’re becoming more of a year- round problem.
MANAGING TICKS
Keeping ticks under control starts with good garden hygiene. Cut back overgrown vegetation, keep your lawn mowed, and discourage wildlife from coming too close. If you’ve got pets, use vet-approved tick treatments regularly.
Preventing Ticks
Here’s how to lower your chances of a tick encounter:
- Wear long sleeves and trousers in grassy or wooded areas
- Tuck trousers into socks
- Use tick repellents on skin and clothes
- Check yourself and your pets after being outdoors
- Shower soon after walks to dislodge any ticks crawling on you
DIY TICK CONTROL
There are things you can do at home to reduce tick numbers:
- Clear out leaf litter and long grass
- Use pet-safe sprays or tick granules in gardens
- Set up physical barriers to keep deer or rodents out
- Treat pets regularly with tick prevention products
If you do find a tick already latched on to you or your pet, it is important to note you should not try to remove them with your fingers. Squeezing the tick’s body rather than using fine-nosed tweezers to grab it by it’s the head, can put you at a higher risk of contracting a tick-borne disease. But if ticks keep coming back or you’re worried about an infestation—it’s time to call the pros.
WARNING - Always read the label thoroughly before using any treatment products. Also, never apply any products intended for your home to your pet's skin or fur.
Defend yourself against pests with Contego
Don't wait until pests have invaded your premises, take action now and get in touch with Contego to safeguard your space from infestations. Our expert team is ready to assist you in defending yourself against pests, so contact us today for a comprehensive solution.
