A mate asked me last week why his Labrador came back from a New Forest ramble with a tiny hitchhiker on its ear, and the conversation quickly turned into a proper kit‑check before the next outing. The Forest’s mix of heath, ancient woodland and deer‑grazed clearings makes it a tick hotspot, but a few well‑chosen items paired with simple habits keep the risk low.
Which tick species live in the New Forest
The dominant player is Ixodes ricinus, the sheep‑deer tick that thrives in the damp, shaded understory of the Forest’s oak and beech stands. Occasional records of Ixodes hexagonus (the hedgehog tick) appear near the edges of the heath, but they are far less common. A pocket magnifier kept in your day‑pack lets you confirm the species on the spot, and the habit of giving your socks a quick once‑over at the car park means you’ll spot any stowaways before they settle.
Seasonal tick activity peaks in the Forest
Nymphs rise in late April and stay active through June, while adults climb the vegetation again in September and October. A reliable weather app on your phone, checked the night before a walk, pairs nicely with the habit of timing longer treks for the cooler, drier mornings when questing ticks are less aggressive. Rainy spells in May can push nymph activity earlier, so a flexible plan beats a rigid schedule every time.
High‑risk habitats and activities in the New Forest
Heathland, dense bracken, and the deer‑grazed clearings around Bolderwood and Rhinefield are the classic “tick corridors”. Dog walkers, mountain‑bike riders, campers and mushroom foragers all spend time in these zones. Pulling on permethrin‑treated gaiters before you step onto the bracken, and the habit of sticking to the centre of well‑trodden paths rather than skirting the fringe, cuts the chance of a tick climbing aboard dramatically.
How to prevent tick bites while exploring the New Forest
Light‑coloured, long‑sleeved shirts and trousers tucked into socks remain the baseline. A 20 % DEET or 20 % picaridin spray applied to exposed skin and the outside of clothing, followed by the habit of re‑applying after a couple of hours or after a sweat‑soaked climb, gives solid coverage. For those who prefer a set‑and‑forget approach, a permethrin‑treated shirt worn under a lightweight jacket works well, especially when you remember to give it a quick shake before you sit down for a picnic.
Correct tick removal technique and what to do next
Fine‑tipped tweezers or a dedicated tick‑remover card are the tools of choice; grasp the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. The habit of checking yourself, the kids and the dog every thirty minutes on a long walk means you’ll catch most ticks before they’ve been attached for the critical 24‑hour window. Clean the bite with antiseptic, note the date and location, and keep the tick in a sealed container should you need it identified later.
Local NHS pathways, pet risks and reporting in Hampshire
If a rash expands or flu‑like symptoms appear, the GP will refer you to the Lyme Disease Clinic at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, where the NHS Hampshire team follows UKHSA guidance. Dogs can pick up babesiosis or anaplasmosis, so a quick chat with your vet after a Forest trip is wise. UKHSA’s tick‑surveillance scheme welcomes submitted specimens, and a compact tick‑first‑aid kit stashed in the glove box ensures you have tweezers, antiseptic wipes and a specimen tube ready for the drive home.
Common questions
Can you get Lyme disease in the New Forest? Yes. Ixodes ricinus nymphs in the Forest carry Borrelia and Hampshire UKHSA data show regular, if low‑level, Lyme reports each year. Transmission usually requires the tick to be attached for more than 24 hours, which is why frequent checks matter.
What repellents work best for ticks in the UK? Products containing ≥20 % DEET, 20 % picaridin, or clothing treated with permethrin are all MHRA‑approved and suitable for adults and children over two months. Always follow the label and re‑apply after swimming or heavy perspiration.
Should I keep the tick for testing after a New Forest bite? Storing the tick in a sealed container with the date and grid reference lets you send it to UKHSA’s surveillance programme or a private lab if you wish. It isn’t required for NHS treatment, but it helps researchers map local infection rates.
— Harriet Cole, TickShield UK Editorial
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get Lyme disease in the New Forest?
Confirm local Lyme incidence, cite Hampshire UKHSA data, and explain transmission timeframes for Ixodes ricinus nymphs.
What repellents work best for ticks in the UK?
List DEET (≥20%), picaridin (20%), and permethrin‑treated clothing, noting MHRA approval and suitability for children and pets.
Should I keep the tick for testing after a New Forest bite?
Advise storing the tick in a sealed container with date/location, and describe UKHSA tick‑surveillance scheme and private lab options.
Final buying recommendation
This guide covers tick-protection shopping only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.