How to Check for Ticks After Walking in the UK

Why a Tick Check Matters After a UK Walk

There’s nothing quite like a proper stomp across the South Downs or a damp scramble up a Lake District fell. But if you’ve been brushing through bracken, sheep pastures, or deer tracks, you’ve possibly picked up an uninvited hitchhiker. Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on blood, and in the UK they’re most active between spring and autumn – though mild winters mean they can turn up almost any time. The key worry is Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause lasting problems if left untreated. The good news? A thorough tick check after every walk, done properly, greatly reduces your risk.

Where Do Ticks Hide on Your Body?

Ticks don’t jump or fly – they wait on grass and foliage, then latch onto your clothes or skin as you brush past. Once on you, they crawl upwards, looking for warm, thin skin. Common tick bite sites in the UK include:

• The backs of knees and inner thighs
• The groin area and waistline
• Underarms and the inside of elbows
• Behind the ears and the nape of the neck
• The scalp, especially around the hairline
• For children, also check the navel and between toes

After walking in the New Forest or the Lake District, I always check my collie’s ears and belly too – ticks love dogs just as much. But first, let’s get the human check right.

Step-by-Step: How to Check for Ticks After Walking

1. Strip Off and Inspect in Good Light

Get out of your walking gear as soon as you’re home – don’t sit on the sofa first. Stand in front of a bright window or use a torch. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed (nymphs), so you need to look closely, not just glance. Run your fingers over your skin slowly, feeling for any tiny bumps or scabs – you’ll often feel a tick before you see it.

2. Work Systematically

Start at your feet and work up. Check between toes, around ankles, then behind knees – a classic spot. Move up the thighs, groin, and waist. Don’t forget your back – use a mirror or ask a partner to help. Then check underarms, chest, neck, and finally your scalp. Part your hair in sections, or use a fine-tooth comb. If you’ve been walking in long grass, also check your belly button and the backs of your ears.

3. Check Your Clothing and Gear

Ticks can cling to fabric for hours. Shake out your boots, socks, and trousers outside, ideally before you come indoors. Then wash your clothes at 60°C (or tumble dry on high heat) to kill any lingering ticks. If you’ve been sitting on a picnic blanket or in a bothy, check that too. This is part of a proper tick check routine – it’s not just about your skin.

4. Check Children and Pets

Kids love to roll in the grass, and dogs love to explore every rabbit hole. Run your fingers through your child’s hair, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. For dogs, check their head, ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between toes. Your local vet can advise on tick prevention treatments – I use a spot-on for my spaniel, but I still do a manual check after every walk in tick country.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you spot a tick, don’t panic and don’t squeeze it. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool – you can get these at most UK pharmacies or outdoor shops. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upwards with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk – that can leave the mouthparts in your skin. Clean the area with antiseptic, and wash your hands. Don’t use a lit match, petroleum jelly, or nail varnish – those old remedies are ineffective and can make the tick regurgitate into your wound.

After removal, keep an eye on the bite site for a few weeks. If you develop a circular red rash (often like a bullseye), a fever, or flu-like symptoms, contact your GP promptly and tell them you were bitten by a tick. The NHS advises early treatment for Lyme disease is very effective.

Preventing Ticks on Your Next Walk

Prevention is always better than cure, especially in high-risk areas like the Lake District, the New Forest, and the Scottish Highlands. Before heading out, consider:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot
• Tucking trousers into socks (not stylish, but it works)
• Using a DEET-based insect repellent on exposed skin (follow the label)
• Treating your walking boots and clothing with permethrin – it’s a powerful tick repellent that lasts through several washes

After your walk, repeat the tick check described above – it only takes a couple of minutes, and it could save you a lot of trouble. UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) data shows that tick activity is increasing in the UK, so being tick-aware is now part of everyday countryside life.

When to See a Doctor or Call NHS 111

Most tick bites are harmless and cause no symptoms. But if you notice any of the following after a tick bite, don’t wait for a GP appointment – call NHS 111 or see your GP:

• A rash that expands over days, especially a target-shaped one
• Fever, chills, fatigue, or muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• If you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system, seek advice earlier

Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is key. So if you’re unsure, always ring NHS 111 for guidance – they’re brilliant at this.

Final Thoughts from a Fellow Walker

I’ve lost count of the number of ticks I’ve pulled off myself, my kids, and the dog after a day on the South Downs. It’s not a pleasant job, but it’s a simple one. Make a habit of the tick check – it’s as routine as taking off your muddy boots. And if you find one, don’t let it put you off the outdoors. Ticks are a fact of life in the UK countryside, but with a few minutes of checking, you can walk with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions